M.U.R.P. Thesis 5

The Community Journalism Playbook: Reporting on Urban Planning in your Detroit Neighborhood

Ashley Jankowski
The best, most equitable and community-responsive urban planning is inseparable from local journalism. A cornerstone of democracy, local news outlets promote information access and provide a public platform for community voices while holding government officials accountable. These stories document a city’s history and promote deep listening and relationality among neighbors and community leaders who are envisioning a city’s future. Community voices, accountability, and vision: Urban planners need these features to be able to listen to, design with, and create opportunities for communities. However, access to local news – especially news written by and for a community – is rapidly declining.…