Make Journalism an Everyday Civic Act
We welcome everyone into our work because building a just democracy starts with people having the skills and information to shape their communities. Through our programs, resources, and events, you can learn practical civic skills, connect with your neighbors, and help create a more informed and participatory public life—right where you live.
Our Programs
Civic Information and Engagement
Find, create, and share civic resources, learn journalism and information-sharing skills, and connect with neighbors, community leaders, and organizers. Our programs equip you to find, verify, and share the resources your neighborhood needs—and to take action on the issues that matter to you.
We’re currently redesigning our fellowship. Applications will open in summer 2026; sign up for our newsletter for the latest.
Documenters
Get equipped and paid with civic skills to participate in local government and bring the most actionable information back to your neighbors. Documenters are trusted messengers in their communities—armed with skills, tools, and relationships to help people understand what's happening in their community and what they can do about it.
Digital Equity
Partner with us to expand internet access, improve digital literacy, and share community stories by bringing essential funding to local organizations across Suburban Cook County.
Join Our Community of Partners
We partner with organizations, neighborhood leaders, and researchers who believe civic information should be created and shared by community members. Whether you want to bring Documenters to your city, collaborate on a Chicago civic information campaign, or adopt media practices from our programs, we want to hear from you.
City Bureau’s programs have made a measurable impact on communities all across the country. Through our Civic Reporting Fellowship, 170+ people have developed skills to solve community challenges and gone on to become civic leaders, contribute to leading news outlets, and drive change in their communities. Our national Documenters Network has trained more than 6,000 community members to act as trusted messengers and improve access to critical civic information. And through our Public Newsrooms, we’ve engaged thousands of Chicago residents in conversations about local issues, strengthening relationships between neighbors.
