The Detroit Documenters train and pay residents to attend and cover local government meetings in southeast Michigan, making public information more accessible. Their work amplifies voices that often go unheard and they help us to hold our local leaders accountable.

Highland Park is a city circled by Detroit. The small city’s decline is in sharp contrast to Detroit’s revival. Detroit Documenters have been attending Highland Park City Council meetings to understand exactly what kinds of challenges local leaders are prioritizing. 

The Metro producer Jack Filbrandt sat down with Detroit Documenters Coordinator Noah Kincade and Documenter Sherrie Smith to learn more. 

Hear more stories from The Metro on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.