Pulling Back the Curtain on How Our City Operates

If knowledge is power, Detroiters are better equipped these days to exercise it, now that we have a number of local online publications dedicated to shedding light on the inner workings of city government and other influential political figures.

We’ve already introduced readers to some of these excellent news sources - Bridge Detroit, Bridge Michigan, Axios Detroit, and Model-D. Now we have a couple more filling an important niche for citizens who want to stay well informed.

Soapbox Detroit sends out an email each morning with notices of government committee and board meetings. It’s geared toward those who want to get into the weeds of government operations or those who have an interest in a particular issue. Each meeting provides an opportunity for public comment. Soapbox Detroit also gives you easy access to important documents like the City Charter and city ordinances.

Detroit Documenters, a newsletter published by Outlier Media, takes a different approach to keeping citizens informed. They send trained volunteers to meetings to take notes, then Outlier Media reporters use those notes to write the kind of stories you often won’t find in the mainstream media. Click here for an example of their reporting on tenants’ rights.

If you want to become a citizen reporter, this is an excellent opportunity to make a contribution.

Over 100 people marched on Michigan Avenue in Downtown Detroit on April 10, 2021 to protest against illegal evictions. Image courtesy of Eric Seals