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+
+# 🤝 Contributing to City Pulse
+
+Thank you for showing interest in contributing to **City Pulse**! This guide will help you understand the contribution workflow, coding standards, and how to collaborate effectively on the project.
+
+---
+
+## 📦 Project Setup
+
+1. **Fork the Repository**  
+   Click the `Fork` button on GitHub to create a copy under your account.
+
+2. **Clone Your Fork**  
+   ```bash
+   git clone https://github.com/<your-username>/city-pulse.git
+   cd city-pulse
+   ```
+
+3. **Create a Virtual Environment**  
+   ```bash
+   python -m venv venv
+   source venv/bin/activate   # macOS/Linux
+   venv\Scripts\activate      # Windows
+   ```
+
+4. **Install Dependencies**  
+   ```bash
+   pip install -r requirements.txt
+   ```
+
+5. **Run the Application**  
+   ```bash
+   streamlit run app.py
+   ```
+
+---
+
+## 🌱 Branching & Pull Request Conventions
+
+- **Main Branch**: Always stable and deployment-ready.  
+- **Feature Branches**:
+  ```
+  feature/<short-description>
+  ```
+  Example: `feature/add-city-trends`
+
+- **Bug Fix Branches**:
+  ```
+  fix/<short-description>
+  ```
+  Example: `fix/weather-api-timeout`
+
+### ✅ Pull Request Guidelines:
+1. Keep PRs focused on a single change.
+2. Use [Conventional Commits](https://www.conventionalcommits.org/):
+   - `feat: add tourist attractions API`
+   - `fix: handle AQI data parsing error`
+   - `docs: update project setup steps`
+3. Link related issues in the PR description.
+4. Provide screenshots or logs if relevant.
+
+---
+
+## 🏷️ Issues & Labeling
+
+- **Bug Reports**: Use the `bug` label with reproduction steps and screenshots/logs.  
+- **Feature Requests**: Use the `enhancement` label and describe the use case.  
+- **Good First Issues**: Tasks labeled for beginners.
+
+### Creating an Issue:
+- Be descriptive and provide context.
+- Mention environment details (OS, Python version, etc.) when relevant.
+- Cross-reference related issues or PRs.
+
+---
+
+## 🧪 Testing Your Changes
+
+Before submitting a PR, verify your changes to ensure nothing breaks:
+
+1. **Run the App Locally**
+   ```bash
+   streamlit run app.py
+   ```
+
+2. **Test API Integrations**  
+   - Confirm weather data loads via **OpenWeatherMap API**.  
+   - Check air quality metrics are updated in real time.  
+   - Validate tourist recommendations via **Google Places API**.  
+   - Test city trends using **Pytrends** integration.  
+   - Ensure crime news loads correctly from the **News API**.
+
+3. **Functional Testing**
+   - Interact with the AI chatbot and validate responses.
+   - Navigate through different cities to ensure all components update dynamically.
+
+4. **Cross-Check Logs**
+   - Check terminal logs for errors or warnings.
+   - Validate API key configurations in `.env`.
+
+5. **Optional Unit Tests**
+   - If you add logic-heavy modules, include tests in the `tests/` folder.
+
+---
+
+## 🧑‍💻 Code Standards & Style
+
+- **Language**: Python 3.9+  
+- **Style**: Follow [PEP 8](https://peps.python.org/pep-0008/) guidelines.
+- **Linting**:
+   ```bash
+   flake8 .
+   ```
+- **Formatting**:
+   ```bash
+   black .
+   ```
+- Use meaningful variable/function names.
+- Add docstrings and inline comments for complex logic.
+- Keep functions modular and reusable.
+- Include tests for new features when possible.
+
+---
+
+## 🆘 How to Seek Help or Clarification
+
+- Check existing issues and discussions before opening a new one.  
+- Use the **GitHub Discussions** tab for questions and ideas.  
+- Tag maintainers in issues if you are blocked or need a decision.  
+- Follow the [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md) to ensure respectful collaboration.
+
+---
+
+## ✅ Contribution Checklist
+
+- [ ] Code follows project standards and passes linting/formatting.
+- [ ] Documentation updated for new features or changes.
+- [ ] Branch is up-to-date with `main`.
+- [ ] PR description clearly explains the change and references issues.
+- [ ] All APIs tested locally with valid data.
+
+---
+
+## 📜 License
+
+By contributing to this project, you agree that your code will be licensed under the **MIT License**.
+
+---
+
+### 🔥 This file covers:
+✔️ **Project setup instructions**  
+✔️ **Branching & PR conventions**  
+✔️ **Issue creation and labeling**  
+✔️ **Code standards and style**  
+✔️ **How to seek help or clarification**  
+✔️ **Testing your changes with project-specific APIs**