What is City Bureau?

City Bureau is a civic media lab that designs people-powered journalism practices and supports their local adoption and adaptation across the country.

We envision a world where all communities have the information, tools, and resources they need to navigate their lives, shape their futures, and cultivate a more just and participatory democracy.

We're proud to share our 2026-27 Strategic Plan: explore our vision for the next two years!

Our Impact

From expanded civic leadership skills to greater government transparency to policy change, our work in Chicago and across more than 20 communities nationwide shows that when everyday people are equipped to participate in civic life, local government becomes more responsive, democracy gets stronger, and real change happens from the ground up.

Our Programs

Civic Information and Engagement

Based on our belief that journalism is an everyday civic act—something anyone can learn, practice, and share—we equip residents, emerging journalists, and community leaders with civic and information skills they can use in organizing, public service, advocacy, and daily life. Through our reporting, resources, and guides; Civic Reporting Fellowship; and Public Newsroom event series, our programs help people connect with one another and find, verify, and share information that supports collective action.

+ Read our latest reporting

Documenters

Whether you’re based in Chicago or one of the 20+ communities across our growing national network, City Bureau’s Documenters program equips you with civic skills and pays you to attend local government meetings, document what happens, and share the most actionable information with neighbors—making civic participation something anyone can take part in. Through trainings, specialized assignments, and group workshops, Documenters act as trusted messengers in their communities, pinpointing actionable elements from civic processes to help neighbors cut through information overwhelm and take action.

+ Explore our Documenters Network

Digital Equity IMPACT

In partnership with Cook County Digital Equity, City Bureau helps local organizations expand internet access, improve digital literacy, and amplify community voices through storytelling.

+ Learn about our Digital Equity IMPACT grants program

Latest Stories

From Our Civic Reporting Fellows

From the Notebook Blog

From Chicago Documenters

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