What this is
A city understood by the people who live in it.
The Spirit of Detroit is an independent, resident-led project with a simple purpose: help Detroiters understand the big technology and public-safety decisions being made about our city, and make it easy to take part in them.
Police drones. AI data centers. License-plate cameras. Each of these comes with real possible benefits and real questions. We think everyone does better when the facts are clear, every perspective is heard, and residents feel welcome to weigh in.
So we research each topic carefully, source every claim, and present it plainly — the case for it and the questions it raises. Then we point you to exactly where and when the public conversation happens.
What we stand on
Accuracy first
Every claim we publish links to its source. We present the facts, correct ourselves in public, and would rather you verify than take our word for it. We never trade accuracy for drama.
All sides, fairly
We share the case for and the questions raised, in good faith, and we don't tell you what to conclude. Our job is to inform the conversation, not to win it.
Youth & community
We believe a city's future is built by investing in its people — opportunity, education, mentorship, and trust between neighbors. That belief is positive, and it's for everyone.
Nonpartisan & welcoming
This isn't left or right. It's about helping the people who live here understand and take part in decisions about their city. Everyone is welcome at the table.
What's next
This is the beginning, not the whole.
We're starting with three issues — police drones, AI data centers, and Flock cameras — because they're live right now. As new decisions reach the city, we'll research them the same way and add them here. Subscribe and you'll be the first to know when there's something to understand, and somewhere to show up.
Show up when it counts
Decisions get made in rooms.
We'll tell you which room, and when.
The most powerful thing a resident can do is be present before the vote. Subscribe and we'll email you ahead of every City Council session, Police Commissioners meeting, and public hearing that shapes our city.