BridgeDetroit contributor Olivia Lewis reflects on our transition to in-person engagement, policing, inclusive development and the will of Detroit’s voters.
Olivia Lewis
Olivia Lewis is a reporter for BridgeDetroit. She was formerly a reporter for the Battle Creek Enquirer and the Indianapolis Star. She has also worked in philanthropy for the Kresge Foundation, the Council of Michigan Foundations and Direct Relief International.
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.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Survey: Being Black not required to decide Detroit reparations
Results from a community survey suggest residents who have lived in Detroit six to 10 years should qualify to sit on Detroit’s Reparations Task Force, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
Black developers carve out a place for residents in Detroit’s future
Black real estate developers say their work will ensure Black spaces have a place in Detroit’s future and that their investments will create a more equitable city.
Posted inHealth and Welfare
Birth Detroit helps Black moms take control of their birthing experience
After stressful and chaotic hospital experiences, Black moms in metro Detroit share their experiences in the birthing room and praise Birth Detroit for supporting equitable, safe and empowering birthing spaces.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Pensions, continued balanced budget top priorities for Mayor Duggan
As pension obligations loom for Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan lays out his priorities for the City’s 2022-23 budget amid resident concerns over equitable development.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Black? Homeowners? Determining who leads reparations in Detroit
Detroiters have two weeks to help determine the qualifications for incoming reparations task force members. Participants of the first community meeting say they want Black Detroiters to be part of the conversation.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Will Detroit get a guaranteed basic income program?
The Detroit City Council is mulling a guaranteed basic income program through the use of American Rescue Plan Act dollars. One expert says such programs have a “huge, positive impact on the well-being of low- to middle-income households.”
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Sheffield talks reparations taskforce, urges community to weigh in
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield said community input is not only valued, it’s necessary if the taskforce is to be successful. She is asking that residents participate in a Feb. 24 community meeting to help shape the reparations committee.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Michigan GOP revives attempts to overhaul state election laws
Republican-driven bills that could affect the way Detroiters vote are being discussed in the state House. Local election experts and advocates remain worried about voter accessibility.