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In-depth reporting on Michigan's largest city and surrounding communities, including deep dives into the big changes afoot in Detroit, its schools, neighborhoods, institutions and city hall.
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Graffiti’s role in the revival of Michigan cities
Across Michigan, the writing’s on the wall. How you feel about graffiti depends on your age, your attitude, and whether you mind spray paint in an urban landscape.
A choice for cities: Destroy graffiti or restrict it
Some cities now have safe zones for legal graffiti in a bid to contain it. Whether graffiti writers will comply is another question.
Michigan Radio: Being broke makes Detroit get creative
For Detroit, municipal bankruptcy has made the world aware of what Michigan already knew: Detroit is broke. No matter how it turns out, bankruptcy is not going to change things very quickly. Detroit will still be broke. Lester Graham with Michigan Watch reports that’s going to force the city to get creative.
All eyes on Belle Isle as state takes control
As Detroit’s historic island park transitions to state control, upgrades are being watched closely by city residents, including many who remain wary of the motives of state government.
Detroit’s bankruptcy has Skillman Foundation rethinking investments
Bridge has a Q-and-A with new Skillman chief Tonya Allen, who talks about the challenges facing her hometown.
DPTV: Detroit Journalism Cooperative
MiWeek host Christy McDonald takes a look at the Detroit Journalism Cooperative, a new partnership launched this week between non-profit media organizations throughout southeast Michigan, including DPTV.
Benchmark Detroit: Charting Detroit’s path from rock bottom
Mayor Duggan vows to improve services in six months. We have broader ambitions – to mark where Detroit stands today on jobs, safety and other key measures, then hold leaders accountable in the year ahead.
Benchmark: City services
Detroit’s new mayor and City Council are taking ownership of fixing street lights, blight and bus service within six months. Can they succeed where others failed?
Benchmark: Public safety
Money may not solve everything, but it would sure help ordinary Detroiters when they need working fire trucks, ambulances and police cars. Bankruptcy savings may provide a real boost.
Benchmark: Jobs
High unemployment and a modestly educated workforce present a tough challenge. A push to attract highly skilled immigrants may boost job hopes.
Benchmark: Schools
Decades of reform have failed to boost student learning in Detroit’s struggling public schools. Will improved teacher training help?
Benchmark: Livability
What makes a city appealing can’t always be measured: Community spirit. Inviting parks. A vibrant cultural scene. Now, if only leaders could do something about Detroit’s insurance and tax rates.
Editor's note: Introducing the Detroit Journalism Cooperative
Michigan’s most trusted nonprofit news organizations are joining forces to produce data-driven journalism on Detroit’s financial crisis – and the road ahead.
