Outlier Media

"Detroit is a cheap place to live.” That’s one of the most persistent tropes about Michigan’s largest city, but basic expenses — from housing to transportation — are out of reach for many of its residents. In our Affording Detroit series, we reported on the barriers and costs that make Detroit an expensive place to live for residents — contrary to the narrative that Detroit is easy to afford. https://lnkd.in/g6HwA8nA

Happy Fourth of July, from Outlier Media to you! After you've had your fill of hamburgers and fireworks, check out some culture story picks from our staff 🎆 😎 : 1. We’re usually a big fan of birds, but this one’s being a bit of a jerk. Story by Koby Levin https://lnkd.in/gpnDmqsd 2. Beyond the beach and picnic spots, we’ve got Belle Isle facts, gems and history for regular visitors and newcomers alike. From Allison Jacobs and Sarah Alvarez https://lnkd.in/g7m5R8WF 3. The city that brought you “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is not quite as flat as you’d think. What’s the highest point in Detroit? Koby Levin teamed up with WDET to get to the bottom — or top — of the issue. https://lnkd.in/gHiZCgKr 4. What started as a small potluck is now a collective dedicated to social belonging. The Black Bear Brotherhood is a social collective for Black queer men of size and their allies. Story by SaMya O. https://lnkd.in/gDwj8Nwz

Our Detroit Documenters are only covering City Council this week, but we have several civic life stories to hold you over until we're back in your inboxes 🏙 : 1. Elections matter, and plenty of people are trying to influence how you vote. Here's how to navigate it to become a more confident voter, from Documenter David Palmer https://lnkd.in/g6_GBznB 2. If you’ve attended a city meeting in Detroit, you’ve likely heard Marguerite Maddox speak. Maddox has cerebral palsy, and has been participating in public comment for decades, by Laura Herberg https://lnkd.in/g54Cqz-X 3. Want to learn how to get a discount the next time you get a parking ticket in Detroit? Read this, again by Laura Herberg https://lnkd.in/gxg42S6s 4. Will more air quality data make a difference? Well, one thing's for certain: The unhealthy amount of air pollution in the Detroit area is hardly a secret. Story from Koby Levin https://lnkd.in/gp5G8VM4 5. When Darryl Woods was 18, he was convicted of multiple felonies, including first-degree murder. Now, the returning citizen is the chair-elect of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners. Another by Laura Herberg https://lnkd.in/gUpAuckd

We value bringing Detroiters the news they need, but we also value rest. So, we’re taking a summer break ☀️ Today, in light of no Dig newsletter, here are some staff-picked housing and development stories to catch up on. 1. The Detroit Board of Ethics voted to open an investigation into Antoine Bryant for five potential violations of the city’s ethics policy, by Aaron Mondry, Malachi Barrett and Detroit Documenters: https://lnkd.in/gyxiXFwP 2. William and Nsombi Aro are not home rehab TV stars or billionaires. They’re just two General Motors retirees with a passion for fixing up historic Detroit homes — including a tiny, unassuming cabin near the Lodge and Davison freeways, again by Aaron Mondry https://lnkd.in/gBzSEPgZ 3. A 2004 issue of the Detroit Free Press identified 12 abandoned skyscrapers in and around downtown, noted for their historical significance and dismal state. A little more than two decades later, the dirty dozen is no more, once more by Aaron Mondry https://lnkd.in/g2auEgcu

We can't wait to hear your urban farming and gardening story! Share it with us and Planet Detroit through this survey! Spare no dirt-y (get it? 😉 ) detail. ⬇ ⬇

for Outlier Media I wrote about the Detroit People’s Food Co-op and what this means for Detroit. As well as some useful information for anyone interested in the makings of how co-ops can come to be. check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gUM_Kfrk

for Outlier Media I wrote about the Detroit People’s Food Co-op and what this means for Detroit. As well as some useful information for anyone interested in the makings of how co-ops can come to be. check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gUM_Kfrk

Us here at Outlier Media already know how residents are burdened by Detroit's housing, utilities and auto insurance costs. Now, we want to put numbers behind the stories. Help us report on the unmanageable expenses in Detroit by taking our survey: https://lnkd.in/gvGr4gAm