This fall we’re covering evictions, the city budget and how immigrants participate in the election. Hit us up if you have any tips or suggestions!
By Bettina Chang
(from left to right, starting at the top: Sarah Conway, Bettina Chang, Lily Qi, Grace Del Vecchio, Natalie Frazier, Kelly Garcia, Paco Alvarez, Malik Jackson, Alex Arriaga, F. Amanda Tugade, Corli Tolliver, Julia Song, Justin Agrelo and Lynda Lopez)
It’s an absolute pleasure to introduce to you our latest cohort of Civic Reporting Fellows. In our most competitive application cycle ever, these extraordinary individuals stood out with a combination of strong journalism skills, a commitment to building community on Chicago’s South & West Sides and a desire to create more equitable and impactful local media.
Though this cycle begins under unique and challenging circumstances, we’re still committed to producing journalism for and with people who are directly impacted by the issues that we tackle. That means we need your help to reach as many people as possible! Please let us know if you have any tips or suggestions.
Here are our three reporting teams:
How will immigrants participate in the election of 2020 and beyond?
We’ll look at what issues on the ballot matter most to immigrant communities, and we’ll create accessible information resources for them. For those who don’t vote, how else will they make their voices heard in November and beyond?
Team Members: Alex Arriaga, Lily Qi, Paco Alvarez and Lynda Lopez
Email alex@citybureau.org to get in touch.
What does the so-called “eviction avalanche” really look like?
While formal evictions aren’t allowed during the COVID-19 economic crisis, tenants are already being displaced through unofficial means. We aim to amplify the stories of people affected at this critical moment, while examining solutions and action/inaction from public officials.
Team Members: Justin Agrelo, Julia Song, Malik Jackson and Natalie Frazier
Email justin@citybureau.org to get in touch.
How will Chicago’s budget reveal its priorities for 2021?
As the city faces a $1.2 billion budget hole in 2021 and calls to reduce police funding grow across the country, Chicago’s mayor needs to pass a budget through city council by the end of the year. We’ll help people understand how the budget works and how they can have a say in the process.
Team Members: F. Amanda Tugade, Kelly Garcia, Grace Del Vecchio and Corli Tolliver
Email fatugade@gmail.com to get in touch.
If you’d prefer to call or text, please leave a message for City Bureau at 312-361-0881 and we’ll have a reporter reach out!
Support City Bureau’s Civic Reporting Fellowship by becoming a City Bureau Press Club member today.
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