In rare, parallel circumstances, Detroit has a second chance to redevelop infrastructure and historic grounds; this time with the community in mind.
Olivia Lewis
Olivia Lewis is a former Gannett news reporter. She covered social justice and opportunity for the Battle Creek Enquirer before transitioning to the Indianapolis Star to cover Hamilton County. Her byline has appeared in the Houston Chronicle and the Daily Press in Newport News, Virginia, among other publications.
Lewis joins the BridgeDetroit team following a stint in the charitable sector. She has worked with Direct Relief International, the Kresge Foundation, and most recently the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF). While at CMF, Lewis created the first Policy Brief publication in partnership with the Office of Foundation Liaison.
Lewis is a graduate of Hampton University and received her master of public policy degree from the University of Michigan.
Though a North Carolina native, Lewis has strong family ties to the Great Lakes State and is proud to call Detroit her home.
Posted inHousing, Political and Public Policy Information
Detroit school principal gets to keep home in unusual title fraud settlement
Deed fraud allowed multiple owners of one Detroit home. After four years of litigation Mario Lemons has become the rightful owner of the property on West Outer Drive.
Posted inHousing
New Michigan laws crack down on deed fraud scammers
Thousands have reported incidents of real estate fraud in Wayne County. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation that would punish bad actors who file false documents
Posted inHousing
Eddystone an affordable housing win for ‘vastly incomplete’ District Detroit
The highly-criticized Eddystone development offers 19 affordable apartments as the behemoth of Ilitch-holdings in District Detroit maintains a financial hold over the community.
Posted inPolice & Public Safety
Eastside Community Network regroups after center rammed by pickup truck
Benjamin Noah Weinstein, a 42-year-old white Detroiter, is charged with six felonies in connection with the Aug. 19 incident that damaged the longtime community center with a predominately Black membership
Posted inHousing
Black residents are reclaiming the housing market in Detroit
New Detroit Future City reports show a 188% increase in home mortgage applications between 2012 and 2021.
Posted inHousing
New Bargain Block season, same appraisal problems
Season three of HGTV’s Bargain Block will be out this summer. But even national airtime can’t bypass Detroit’s homebuying stressors.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Health and Welfare
Mumford grad prioritizes health in Detroit’s Fitzgerald neighborhood
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Siblings Corina Malone and Corey Williams are inviting Detroiters to free yoga classes on Friday evenings to support healthy habits.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Working for a better Detroit
BridgeDetroit contributor Olivia Lewis reflects on our transition to in-person engagement, policing, inclusive development and the will of Detroit’s voters.
Posted inHousing
Black Detroiters want in on city housing market
Black Detroit homeowners share their home-buying challenges, intent to build wealth and give back in the city.