New research shows property tax exemption programs are having a major impact on tax delinquency in Detroit.
Malachi Barrett
Malachi Barrett is a mission-oriented reporter working to liberate information for Detroiters.
Barrett previously worked for MLive covering local news and statewide politics in Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Detroit. He was named Michigan’s 2019 Newspaper Rising Star by the Associated Press. Barrett graduated from Central Michigan University in 2016.
Barrett lives in Detroit's Pingree Park neighborhood on the eastside with his wife. He's mostly from Battle Creek, but also lived in California, Wisconsin, West Virginia, South Carolina and Japan.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Detroit has a $230M surplus. Here’s how it might be spent.
Mayor Mike Duggan wants to direct funds toward shoring up pensions, a city fund that pays out legal claims and for capital projects like sidewalk repair, park upgrades and demolition.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Jobs and pay rise, but Black and Hispanic Detroiters are missing out
Two new reports predict Detroit’s economy will continue to improve, but Black and Hispanic residents aren’t getting enough access to jobs in the fastest-growing industries.
Posted inPolice & Public Safety
Detroit police buying ‘non-lethal’ tools, updating crisis response plan
A strategy for the department’s Crisis Intervention Team – involving new policies and non-lethal tools – will be presented to the City Council in 90 days amid a rise in mental health calls.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
District Detroit offers ‘largest ever’ benefits deal. Some doubt the math.
A massive $1.5 billion development project in downtown Detroit is moving forward amid concerns about how community benefits are being evaluated.
Posted inTransportation
Unregulated spending, vacation for Detroit People Mover, audit finds
The Detroit Transportation Corporation attributes most of its operational issues to poor training, frequent staff turnover and vacancies.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
Henry Ford teams with Pistons owner, MSU on $2.5B development
Plan for a new hospital, medical research facility, housing and commercial space is pitched as the latest “transformative” investment in Detroit.
Posted inEnvironment
Detroit council wants Stellantis to fix plant odors or relocate residents
City Council members want options to protect Detroiters from pollution, including home buyouts, a land swap deal or air filters paid by Stellantis.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
Detroit arena workers want labor standards board
An industry standards board would create recommendations to improve working conditions at Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field and Comerica Park.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
Mayor promotes $100M in job training opportunities for Detroiters
An estimated 15,469 Detroiters don’t have jobs. Mayor Mike Duggan highlighted five key city programs aimed at getting more residents trained and into the workforce.