The NYCMESH has a great article on how to start a community network...
https://nycmesh.net/blog/how/
12 communities experimenting with mesh networks
https://technical.ly/2015/04/06/12-communities-experimenting-mesh-networks/
A blueprint for low cost urban wifi based on mesh technology
https://www.dkit.ie/system/files/A%20blueprint%20for%20low%20cost%20urban%20wifi%20based%20on%20mesh%20technology.pdf
This should give anyone interested a good idea on how to go about starting a local mesh .... And look around as someone may have already started one in your area and would love nothing more than to add your node into the already existing mesh.
Have a great day everyone... Free speech is as close as your local mesh node...