Community
30 articles
Hybrid Meetings Aren't Boosting Public Participation, They're Streamlining Access.
In Huntington Beach, virtual public comments are resuming via Zoom, offering residents an accessible way to engage with city council meetings.
Local Coffee Shops: Brews, Ambiance, Community Showdown
At 'The Daily Grind,' a $50,000 investment in a new espresso machine led to a 30% drop in repeat customers last year.
Local Summer Markets: A Guide to Exploring Your Community
In Chicago, the Northalsted Market Days transforms a vibrant neighborhood into one of the Midwest's largest street festivals, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride alongside over 250 vendors, according to Choose C
7 Family-Friendly Parks and Green Spaces in Lehi and Flint
Lehi Family Park, designated as the city's 'top parks priority for the 2023 fiscal year,' will operate its primary family attractions, like the splash pad, on a strictly seasonal basis, open only from
How to Navigate Farmers Markets: Your Produce Shopping Guide
Over 8,000 farmers' markets now operate across the US, marking a 76% increase since 2000, according to the USDA Farmers Market Directory .
Jeff's Pizza thrives in Ames with unique menu and community focus
At Jeff's Pizza in Ames, customers can grab a coffee at 8 AM, tackle a 30-inch pizza challenge in the afternoon, or order a Cordon Chicken specialty pie at 2 AM on a Saturday.
Community repair events boost sustainability and neighborhood bonds.
Last year alone, volunteers at nearly 160 community repair cafe events fixed more than 7,400 items, demonstrating a powerful, grassroots counter to the throwaway culture, according to insideclimatenew
How to Participate in Local Government Meetings and Influence Decisions
Even if you can't attend in person, pressing ★9 on your phone can instantly raise your hand in a city council meeting, giving you a direct voice in local decisions.
Are You Really Supporting Local? Why Bliss Marketplace Is Rancho Cordova's Community Hub
Bliss Marketplace champions genuine local shopping in Rancho Cordova by offering a curated hub for Sacramento-area makers, collectors, and artists. It fosters a community-driven environment, contrasting with traditional markets by focusing on curation, collaboration, and deep vendor support.
Ogunquit Rooster Statues Spark Debate Over Noise Ordinances and Community Values
In the picturesque coastal town of Ogunquit, Maine, a family faced $450 in fines not for a noisy party, but for displaying two 6-foot-tall metal rooster statues outside their home.
How to Start a Farmers Market: A Complete Guide
A farmers market in rural Ohio, initially drawing just 50 visitors, tripled its customer base in two seasons by meticulously surveying shoppers and setting specific growth targets.
Kansas City People's Choice Awards Present Over 60 Honors
In 2026, from a speakeasy specializing in SPAM musubi in Leucadia to a rooftop bar in London, cities worldwide are rolling out diverse 'Best of Our City' awards.
Why Supporting Local Farmers Markets Matters
For every $1 million in revenue, direct-market farms create almost 32 local jobs, a significant increase compared to the 10.
What Is the Evolution of Local Libraries as Community Hubs?
The number of in-person visits to libraries per 100 people declined by 24% from 2009 to 2018, marking a significant shift in how individuals interact with these community resources.
New Owners to Take Over Kenosha's Frank's Diner in 2026
After a century of operation, Kenosha's iconic Frank's Diner is transitioning to new ownership in 2026, yet its future remains deeply rooted in familiarity.
Navigating Local Farmers Markets for Fresh Produce
Every Wednesday through August, Denver's Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market delivers a vibrant mid-week opportunity for fresh produce, showcasing the varied schedules consumers must navigate to access
AI adoption by local governments presents ethical quandaries in 2026.
A majority of local US policymakers anticipate significant societal risks from artificial intelligence (AI) over the next decades, including increased surveillance, misinformation, and political polar
Highly Ranked Local Coffee Shops for Unique Brews & Community
In Parede, Portugal, Liberty coffee shop, opened just last August, has already been ranked 57th in 'Europe's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026' and received a Solete from the Repsol Guide.
How to Support Local Sustainable Businesses: A Complete Guide
In Sonoma County, a local green business certification program helps small businesses not only reduce waste but also increase customer trust and employee retention, directly addressing how to support local sustainable businesses.
Clarksville: 2026 Best Local Business Awards Nominations Underway
A recent poll revealed 70% of Clarksville residents trust businesses more if they've won a local award, yet many deserving small businesses struggle to even get nominated for the 'Best of Clarksville'
Northern Utah Celebrates Summer with Concerts and Hot Dogs
From a symphony under the stars at Weber State University to a National Hot Dog Day celebration with local police in Syracuse, Northern Utah is packed with unique local events between July 11-19,...
What are hidden local businesses and attractions?
A recent survey found that 60% of city residents feel they've 'seen all there is to see' in their own town, yet 85% also expressed a strong desire for new experiences, according to the Local Insights
Local volunteerism is key to stronger, more resilient communities
In a single year, formal volunteers in the U.S. contributed over 4.1 billion hours of service, generating an estimated economic value of $122.9 billion. This substantial effort, documented by the Census Bureau, highlights the profound and often overlooked impact of dedicated individuals on the nation's well-being and economic stability. These contributions are a testament to the importance of local volunteerism in strengthening communities.
What to do at local public libraries in 2026 beyond books?
In 2016, public libraries across the U.
Hawk Hollow Hosts TGIF Dance Party
Hawk Hollow hosts a popular TGIF Dance Party series, offering attendees dinner and dance lessons for just $25, according to Tgifdance.
Local News Collapse Threatens Democracy, Leaving Communities Vulnerable
The United States has lost 2,100 newspapers in the past 15 years, leaving at least 1,800 communities without a local news outlet, according to Agorajournalism Center .
Local Businesses Embrace Sustainable Practices for Future Impact
At necessary & sufficient coffee®, customers bringing their own cup get a discount, but the real story is how this local cafe has woven zero-waste, living wages, and local partnerships into its very f
What Determines Neighborhood Walkability and Quality of Life?
A neighborhood's 'walkability' score, calculated by algorithms that award maximum points for amenities within a mere five-minute stroll, can predict everything from local air quality to residents' rat
Pride Parades Show LGBTQ+ Unity Despite Attacks
More than a million people celebrated at New York City's Pride March on Sunday afternoon.
Local Breweries and Craft Beer Bars for 2026
In New Hampshire, 'Pints with a Mission' directly supports veterans.