In its decision, GLWA cited state law and an independent investigation that found the flooding was inevitable based on the unprecedented rainfall.
Jena Brooker
Jena Brooker is BridgeDetroit's environmental reporter, covering food and agriculture, pollution and climate change. She has held three fellowships: a ProPublica fellowship, where she led an investigative project on heavy industry in Detroit neighborhoods; a Data Fellowship at the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, where she produced award-winning coverage of Detroit's automotive industry and environmental racism; and a Science-Health-Environment Reporting Fellowship through CASW, AHCJ and SEJ. Her work has also earned the Michigan Press Association public service award three years in a row and recognition as Young Journalist of the Year in 2023. Before joining BridgeDetroit, she covered environmental issues across the Midwest as a Reporting Fellow for Grist.
Jena holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Michigan, and her work has appeared in The Guardian, Mother Jones, Salon, Slate, Grist, Next City, Chalkbeat and Planet Detroit.
Posted inEnvironment
Detroit’s incinerator is coming down. Now, neighbors want a say in repairing toxic legacy.
Detroit has reassured neighbors that they will include community voices in the next steps, but advocates and residents cite a lack of public. engagement
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Detroit aims to make basement backup program more affordable
The city has implemented changes to its Basement Backup Protection Program to address delays and required costs to access repairs.
Posted inEnvironment
Poletown residents want legal protections from waste facility
Neighbors, lawmakers and environmental groups urge Detroit’s council to establish an agreement to mitigate harmful effects associated with operations at US Ecology South.
Posted inEnvironment
In Detroit, the USDA will open its first service center for urban agriculture
The office will connect urban farmers in Detroit with USDA programs ranging from conservation to loans and emergency relief.
Posted inEnvironment
Funding for Great Lakes research institute to expand work in Detroit
A $53 million grant to The Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research will increase flood risk tools and restoration of the Detroit River.
Posted inEnvironment
Thousands of Detroiters wonder if they will get city flood prevention help
The city’s Basement Backup Protection Program launched in May. So far, just four Detroit homes have been inspected and repaired.
Posted inEnvironment
One year after historic floods, Detroiters wait for answers
Payouts for nearly 20,000 claims received by Detroit’s Water and Sewerage Department will be determined by findings from an investigation into the cause of the flooding.
Posted inEnvironment
Stellantis project tests strength of Detroit’s benefits law
Community benefits ordinance doesn’t authorize Detroit to issue fines or injunctions.
Posted inHealth and Welfare
Food rescue group expansion helps Detroiters cope with hunger, food costs
Forgotten Harvest has a new setup that will enable it to help thousands more Metro Detroiters. In Detroit, an estimated 39% of residents experience food insecurity.