A neighborhood advisory council, selected by residents and city officials, is knee-deep in Detroit’s 16th community benefits process, which requires developers seeking significant tax breaks to commit to investments negotiated with surrounding residents.
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 inElection 2025, Political and Public Policy Information
Political group and ‘dark money’ nonprofit fuel ads for Sheffield campaign
Detroit Next PAC is also a destination for donors who are maxed out on direct gifts to Sheffield’s campaign.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook
Detroit eyes zoning overhaul to boost housing
In Detroit government news this week: Zoning rule changes could boost housing, Pistons plan for Uniroyal site, a new ombudsman and more.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook
Proposed law seeks quicker release of Detroit police body cam footage
Malachi Barrett has the latest from City Council: Talks on improving conditions for arena workers, body-worn camera proposal, east side hospital project and ombudsman finalists.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook
The City Council’s next president?
Malachi Barrett has the latest from Detroit City Council: Who wants to lead the council next term, controversial voting precinct costs, land bank audit request and a city surplus fund.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
Detroit City soccer complex seeks $88M in tax breaks, but no public subsidy
Developers say the new AlumniFi Field is unlike any other stadium in Detroit for a few key reasons.
Posted inBusiness
Detroit developer: Father’s letter in Epstein ‘birthday book’ overstates relationship
Documents released by the federal government included Terry Kafka’s sexually-charged letter as part of Epstein’s 50th “birthday book.”
Posted inElection 2025
Former rival Saunteel Jenkins endorses Mary Sheffield for Detroit mayor
Former Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins is endorsing City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor, in a pivotal move that could help the current city council president also shore up her former opponent’s strong support base.
Posted inDetroit City Notebook
Why Trump isn’t talking about enforcement in Detroit, yet
Malachi has the latest from Detroit City Council: Duggan’s take on the potential for federal enforcement, east side odor violations, the link between speed humps and pollution and more.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Political and Public Policy Information
Report: Ticket tax could help Detroit trim property taxes
A new Citizens Research Council of Michigan study found an admissions tax on Detroit sports and entertainment venues could raise between $14 million and $47 million annually, depending on the tax rate.