After more than 9,300 Michigan voters applied to become members of the state’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, only eight Detroiters remain in the applicant pool. A computer will randomly select the final 13 individuals, who must represent the state’s political, geographic and population demographics.
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 inBridgeDetroit's First 100 Days, Civic and Community Information
Belle Isle offers respite for Detroiters weary from coronavirus
During the coronavirus pandemic, more people are escaping to Belle Isle. Long a beloved park with gardens, beaches and pathways, it is a place where friends and families have gathered for decades. Now, it serves as a site for solace.
Posted inEducation
Detroit schools will reopen in the fall even if the Legislature takes action
Detroit Public Schools Community District’s school board and superintendent doubled down on a reopening plan amid complaints from teachers, students and community members who said it’s too early to return to in-classroom instruction. Now it’s up to the Legislature to make administrative changes that would support public school districts in online learning.
Posted inEducation
Detroit schools propose fall reopening plans amid concerns, protests and politics
The school board will review a 42-page reopening proposal during its meeting tonight as parents, teachers and advocates debate the merits of putting students in classrooms and threats of withholding federal funding hang in the balance.
Posted inHealth and Welfare
Disparity in broadband access limits telehealth opportunities for Detroiters
The state has increased access to telehealth services for Medicaid and Healthy Michigan beneficiaries, but that access helps little when 52 percent of Detroiters lack broadband access.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
City of Detroit, Schools to partner and help adults earn high school diploma
The High School Completion Program will initially accept 50 adult students who will be paid to complete their GED or high school diploma. The program is a partnership through the City of Detroit’s Detroit at Work program and Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
What is mail-in voting? All Voting is Local Michigan town hall explains
All Voting is Local Michigan hosted a tele-town hall Monday evening with Detroit Action, the League of Women voters of Michigan, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. The panel discussed Michigan’s expanded access to voting while explaining the absentee, or vote by mail, process.
Posted inBridgeDetroit's First 100 Days, Civic and Community Information
Anonymous Twitter accounts cause stir among Detroit assault, harassment survivors and those accused
In the past month, anonymous Twitter pages have surfaced, allowing survivors of sexual abuse to anonymously share their stories while publicly naming accusers. The local community is now questioning this method of public storytelling and accountability as more Detroit names are called out.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
New report shows Detroiters positive on economic mobility, pre-coronavirus
Detroiters define entrepreneurship, their level of financial security and who they turn to for advice in a new report from Detroit Future City, DMACS and New Economy Initiative. The data highlights Detroiters’ positive outlook on economic mobility and inclusive entrepreneurship prior to the spread of coronavirus.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Wayne Metro has received almost $18 million in coronavirus relief aid
Wayne County has pulled together almost $18 million in coronavirus relief aid and answered 12,000 applications for assistance. Over 8,000 applications remain, as the waiting list continues to grow. Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency has extended its hours, and continues vetting applications through the end of June to determine what needs remain.