Better Together: City Bureau Turns 10
Ten years of people-powered journalism. The next chapter starts now.
City Bureau is turning 10! Help us celebrate the first decade and build the next.
Ten years ago: A coffee shop, a Kickstarter, and a conviction that journalism could be done differently. What started as a scrappy volunteer-run project is now a thriving civic media lab, a network spanning 20+ communities around the country, and a decade of civic resources built with and for communities.
This year, we’re marking this milestone the way we do everything: with our community. That means you! Whether you’re a fan and follower, Fellow, Documenter, community partner, neighbor, supporter, or just discovered our work—we invite you to join us for inspiring storytelling, feel-good events, meaningful connection, and a look at what we’re building next.
Here’s how you can celebrate with us:
Save the Date: Better Together, City Bureau's 10th Birthday Bash on Oct 23
10 years ago, City Bureau started with a big idea at Build Coffee & Books and Experimental Station on Chicago’s South Side. On October 23, 2026, we’re heading back to where it all began to celebrate a decade of people-powered journalism with the community that made it possible. Come connect–or reconnect–with friendly faces, get inspired by what’s ahead, and reflect on where we’ve been while raising a glass with us.
Add a Message to Our Virtual Birthday Card
Help us celebrate 10 years by adding a note to our community card. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just joined the journey, we’d love to hear from you.
Add Your Story to Our People’s History of City Bureau Timeline
Every milestone is made up of many stories. We’re launching a People’s History of City Bureau—a living timeline of the relationships and moments that have shaped the last 10 years and will inspire the next. Share a favorite memory, lesson, or moment that captures what City Bureau has meant to you.
Give a Birthday Gift
Celebrate our first decade by investing in the next one. Your gift supports City Bureau in radically reimagining journalism as an everyday civic act rooted in communities and practiced by everyone.