City Council

20 articles

Killeen City Council members deliberate on animal services fee changes during a public meeting, with concerned citizens and their pets present.
Community

Killeen City Council Reviews Animal Services Fee Changes

In Killeen, adopting a sterilized pet now costs $40, while an unsterilized one is just $25, according to Killeen Texas .

Derek Molina·July 6, 2026
Diverse Chicago renters celebrating newfound protections outside an apartment building with a 'Renters Protected' sign, Chicago skyline in the background.
Real Estate

Chicago Mayor Introduces Protecting Renters Ordinance for New Protections

Under Chicago's new Protecting Renters Ordinance, landlords face steep penalties: up to $5,000 or five months' rent for evicting a tenant without 'just cause,' even for non-renewal, reports the Chicag

Hannah Pierce·June 30, 2026
Hollywood sign at dusk with financial overlays, symbolizing the impact of the proposed property tax on local businesses and the film industry.
Real Estate

Hollywood's 2026 property tax proposal to fund essential services

A small, independent film studio on Sunset Boulevard, already grappling with rising production costs, estimates an additional $50,000 annual property tax burden under the new proposal, forcing it to c

Aaron Blake·June 25, 2026
Fairfield City Hall with a looming shadow representing budget cuts, symbolizing the city's financial uncertainty and proposed delayed sales tax.
Services

Fairfield proposes delayed sales tax; service cuts expected

Fairfield City Council is considering a ballot measure for a 1 percent sales tax increase that, if passed, would generate $24 million annually but wouldn't take effect until April 2027.

Marco Alvarez·June 21, 2026
Orlando's historic buildings juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers under a dramatic twilight sky, representing the conflict between development and preservation.
Community

Orlando's Historic Preservation Board review suspended

On June 8, the Orlando City Council advanced an ordinance to suspend all Historic Preservation Board review for three years across its Downtown Historic District, including for demolitions.

Derek Molina·June 21, 2026
A new 29-story high-rise apartment building adjacent to a newly built 11,000-square-foot public park in Chicago's West Loop.
Best in City

West Loop Approves New High-Rise & Public Park

After years of rapid, often amenity-light development, a new 29-story apartment high-rise at 215 N.

Hannah Pierce·June 18, 2026
The Chicago skyline at dusk, highlighting the Greyhound bus station, symbolizing urban development and a new chapter for the city.
Best in City

City Acquires Greyhound Station for $19.2 Million

With a 38-10 vote, Chicago aldermen approved a $19.

Hannah Pierce·June 18, 2026
Modern luxury apartment and townhouse complex approved by Avondale City Council, featuring high rental prices.
Best in City

Avondale City Council Approves New Rental Complex

Get ready, Avondale! Rents for the newly approved rental complex, featuring townhomes and apartments, are set to start at an eye-watering $6,000, according to Block Club Chicago .

Hannah Pierce·June 18, 2026
Groundbreaking ceremony for the West Side Project's new music hall and retail complex near Chicago's United Center.
Real Estate

West Side Project breaks ground on music hall and retail

Chicago's City Council recently approved a $55 million tax break for the 1901 Project, a $7 billion development now breaking ground on the Near West Side.

Hannah Pierce·June 4, 2026
Split image contrasting a lush green park with a new apartment building, symbolizing the conflict between urban development and green spaces.
Community

Urban development impacts green spaces, prioritizes housing needs

Rochester's City Council approved the sale of a half-acre Charlotte Street green space for $150,000 on April 21, 2026.

Derek Molina·May 30, 2026
Chicago neighborhood street with native plants, some tall and others trimmed low near the sidewalk, illustrating new city regulations.
Community

Chicago Council Approves Native Plant Rules, 10-Inch Limit Near Sidewalks

Chicago's new native plant rule has everyone talking!

Hannah Pierce·May 21, 2026
Birmingham City Council chambers with a gavel suspended over documents, symbolizing the delayed decision on short-term rental regulations and the ongoing housing debate.
Real Estate

Birmingham delays short-term rental rules amid housing debate

After two years of extensive debate, the Birmingham City Council again delayed a decision on short-term rental regulations, pushing the vote to at least May 2026.

Aaron Blake·May 14, 2026
New Braunfels City Hall at dusk, with a tense meeting visible through the windows, symbolizing the recent firing of the city attorney.
Best in City

New Braunfels Council Fires City Attorney Over Election Misstep

In a contentious 4-3 vote, the New Braunfels City Council fired City Attorney Valeria Acevedo, just weeks after a legal misstep she was blamed for overturned the city's mayoral election results.

Derek Molina·May 12, 2026
Diverse citizens engage in a modern city council meeting, symbolizing transparent governance and collaborative urban development.
Community

How City Council Structures and Engagement Work: A 2026 Guide

In 2024, Portland, Oregon, transitioned to a Mayor-Council structure, ending a 111-year run under a Commission system.

Derek Molina·May 10, 2026
Overhead view of a Waste Management truck collecting trash on a clean, organized city street in Portage.
Services

Portage City Council Awards Five-Year Trash Contract to Waste Management

Portage residents will now pay a mandatory $14.

Marco Alvarez·April 29, 2026
Diverse children joyfully playing on modern, colorful, and safe playground equipment in a sunlit park.
Best in City

Belmont Park's 2026 Upgrade: Benchmarking Against Top Playgrounds

Townsville City Council is investing up to $300,000 into Belmont Park's playground, promising a major upgrade for local families.

Hannah Pierce·April 29, 2026
Diverse citizens engaged in a city council meeting, highlighting the connection between local government decisions and community well-being.
Community

Your City Council Race Matters: Local Decisions Shape Your Life

Between 2017 and 2018, a chilling statistic emerged from Washington D.

Sophie Nguyen·April 20, 2026
Diverse citizens actively participating in a city council meeting, advocating for their community's needs and engaging with local government officials.
Community

How to Engage Your Local City Council

Despite new legal tools designed to boost public participation, existing frameworks often discourage city officials from even reaching out to their constituents.

Derek Molina·April 11, 2026
Citizens engaging in a town hall meeting about local government budgets, with city officials presenting financial plans and charts, symbolizing public participation in civic processes.
Community

How Local Government Budgets Are Created and Approved: A Complete Guide

Ever wonder how your tax dollars become public services? This guide breaks down the complex process of local government budget creation and approval, showing you how to make your voice heard.

Derek Molina·April 9, 2026
Diverse citizens actively participate in a city council meeting, raising hands and engaging in discussion, representing local democracy and community involvement in municipal governance.
Community

How Does Local City Council Government Work? A Guide to Citizen Participation

Ever wonder who decides where a new stop sign goes or how your local park gets funding? Understanding how local city council government works and the avenues for citizen participation is the first step toward influencing these decisions that shape our daily lives.

Derek Molina·April 7, 2026