Before COVID-19, one of the most talked about issues was news that the City of Detroit collectively overtaxed homeowners by at least $600 million between 2010 and 2016. And, at least 53% of the assessments were in violation of Michigan’s Constitution. The sense of urgency about redressing the overtaxed has faded, but many policymakers, activists […]
Posted inThe Dig
Bay Area developer looks to address mass incarceration with Detroit buildings
This August 2021 rendering from Designing Justice + Designing Spaces, a California-based architecture firm, shows the site plan for the development project at Grand River Avenue and 14th Street in Detroit’s Core City neighborhood. Update: An earlier version of this story indicated that the Love Building is formerly known by that name. The building name […]
Posted inNews
Russell Industrial Center raising rent, skimping on repairs, tenants say
Dennis Kefallinos has owned the Russell Industrial Center since 2003. Many tenants describe being on month-to-month leases, which makes rent increases and evictions easier for landlords. Since the start of 2020, Kefallinos has filed 43 evictions against tenants at the Russell, according to records at the 36th District Court. Photo by Zaire Daniels In recent […]
Posted inNews, The Dig
Property values are rising. But these longtime Detroiters say they are missing out because of the Land Bank.
The city told residents of East Davison Village that they’d get access to the neighborhood’s vacant property. Instead, most of those homes have gone to newcomers.
Posted inNews
HIRING: Outlier Media seeks an Operations and Development Manager in Detroit
We’re hiring an Operations Manager to work with our small, but powerful team as we expand to serve more Detroiters and reimagine local news as an essential service. Our newsroom will grow over the next several years and we need a skilled and thoughtful business manager who can help us manage today and plan for the future.
Posted inNews
Denial of class-action status in land contract case highlights gaps in Michigan’s rules
A lawsuit alleging Detroit property owner Michael Kelly uses multiple and confusing contracts to lure vulnerable Detroiters into a “real estate bait and switch” was denied class-action status earlier this month for the very reason the suit was filed: multiple contracts. The lawsuit, James v. Detroit Property Exchange, will still move forward on behalf of […]
Posted inNews
Why this team is looking to track every building development in Detroit—and will need your help
Pullman Parc development site at Lafayette and St. Aubin streets. Photo by Aaron Mondry Following building development in Detroit can be a daunting task. It’s a full-time job keeping tabs on what’s been announced, seeking city approval, in the middle of a community benefits process, under construction or behind schedule. But Detour Detroit is betting […]
Posted inNews
Detroit riders wait for buses that never show
People wait for the bus on Cass Avenue. Photo by Aaron Mondry This article has been updated. See our note at the bottom for more information. A mass exodus of bus drivers from the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is critically hampering service, causing many buses to never even leave for their scheduled route. Prior […]
Posted inNews
Hiring: Director of Audience Outlier Media
We are hiring a Director of Audience to help us build our product and digital strategy, to engage our audience, and to increase audience-driven revenue. The right candidate for this role can manage day-to-day activities while also building strategies for future growth.
Posted inNews
Join our Freelance Journalist Network
Outlier Media is building a Freelance Journalist Network of reporters interested in helping Detroiters lead even more well-informed lives. We hope to establish mutually beneficial connections with freelance journalists for ourselves and our media partners enthusiastic about responding to significant information gaps in Detroit. Sign up here and share the form with freelance journalists who you believe would […]