Detroiters often hear about the city’s $3 billion-dollar budget, but many residents are left wondering: Where does the money actually go? Who decides what gets funded? And how do those decisions impact neighborhoods, services and daily life?
That’s the focus of “Billion Dollar Bills, Y’all,” a free public event hosted by Outlier Media and BridgeDetroit, designed to make city government more accessible, understandable and engaging for Detroit residents.
This interactive event will break down how Detroit’s budget works, what departments receive funding and how staffing decisions within the mayor’s administration shape city priorities. But this won’t feel like a typical government meeting.
Instead, attendees can expect a community-centered experience that combines civic education, conversation and entertainment. Residents will have opportunities to participate in activities, ask questions and speak directly with staff from both newsrooms about the issues impacting their neighborhoods and families.
The event is also intended to help residents better understand how local journalism can hold institutions accountable while reflecting the concerns of the people most affected by city policies and spending decisions.
“If Detroiters are truly going to arm themselves with the information they need to live a liberated life in the city, then we as newsrooms have to bring our reporting to life,” Orlando Bailey, Executive Director of Outlier, said. “This event localizes our journalism beyond the screens and brings it straight to the people who need it most.
“We want people to leave feeling informed, empowered and heard,” BridgeDetroit Executive Editor Laurén Abdel-Razzaq said. “Detroiters deserve spaces where they can learn about how decisions are made — and also share what matters most to them.”
Food will be provided, and free childcare will be available for families attending. We want you to feel comfortable participating, even if you’ve never attended any kind of city government-related meeting in the past.
We’re doing this event now because we know Detroiters are paying even closer attention to issues like neighborhood investment, city services, housing, transportation and public safety — all areas influenced by budget decisions at City Hall. And we all want to know more about Mayor Mary Sheffield’s administration and future plans.
“Billion Dollar Bills, Y’all” is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Check out the Eventbrite page to learn more and RSVP.