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We train and pay hundreds of people to attend under-reported public meetings and publish the results.

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Your elected officials are making big decisions. Keep tabs with original notes, live-tweet threads and multimedia reports from Documenters in your area—updated daily

Detroit

Criminal Justice
Nov. 1, 2024

Dujan “Zoe” Kennedy, public health and safety director for FORCE Detroit, highlighted the autonomy community groups had in designing their violence prevention program, as well as respect between law enforcement and community members as keys to ShotStopper’s success.

University of Michigan Poverty Solutions Speaker Series

Notetaking by

Tamia Davis

Detroit

Criminal Justice
Nov. 1, 2024

Dujan “Zoe” Kennedy, public health and safety director for FORCE Detroit, highlighted the autonomy community groups had in designing their violence prevention program, as well as respect between law enforcement and community members as keys to ShotStopper’s success.

University of Michigan Poverty Solutions Speaker Series

Live reporting by

Perry Sylvester

Detroit

Politics
Oct. 29, 2024

City Council approved the Fast Track PILOT Ordinance, offering tax incentives to developers who provide housing at rates as low as 30% of the area median income (AMI). They also amended the rental ordinance to simplify the compliance certification process for landlords.

Detroit City Council Detroit City Council Formal Session

Live reporting by

Heather Alder

Detroit

Politics
Oct. 29, 2024

City Council approved the Fast-Track PILOT Ordinance, offering tax incentives to developers who provide housing at rates as low as 30% of the area median income (AMI). They also amended the rental ordinance to simplify the compliance certification process for landlords.

Detroit City Council Detroit City Council Formal Session

Notetaking by

Gina McPherson

Detroit

Criminal Justice
Oct. 31, 2024

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy urged the public and some commissioners to be patient for the release of bodycam footage in active investigations. She said releasing the footage prematurely can poison the jury pool and interfere with a fair and just trial.

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners Board of Police Commissioners

Live reporting by

Meghan Rutigliano

Detroit

Criminal Justice
Oct. 31, 2024

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy urged the public and some commissioners to be patient for the release of bodycam footage in active investigations. She said releasing the footage prematurely can poison the jury pool and interfere with a fair and just trial.

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners Board of Police Commissioners

Notetaking by

Linh Truong

Detroit

Politics
Oct. 8, 2024

City Council sent the discussion on the proposed towing rate increase back to the Public Health and Safety Standing Committee to address concerns about predatory towing, and to consider the implications of increased rates on the police department budget.

Detroit City Council Detroit City Council Formal Session

Notetaking by

Gina McPherson

Detroit

Housing
Oct. 24, 2024

The DHC board approved last quarter’s write off of $216,074.19 in past-due tenant accounts. After the DHC board meeting, the board of the Parkside Development Company met for the first time since fall 2022. That board consists of the DHC’s CEO, vice president and treasurer.

Detroit Housing Commission DHC, Board of Commissioners

Notetaking by

Elise Koelsch

Detroit

Parks
Oct. 17, 2024

Following months of calls to save the Belle Isle Boathouse, the $2 million designated for its demolition will not be used. The committee scheduled a special session at Flynn Pavilion on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. to address questions concerning the preferred plan for its renovation.

Michigan Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee

Notetaking by

Sandi Nelson

Detroit

Education
Oct. 15, 2024

At this in-person forum featuring candidates running for three open seats on the DPSCD school board, moderators asked questions about absenteeism and other issues affecting Detroit’s district. Fifteen out of 22 candidates were in attendance.
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