1937 On the historic maps, click on an area to see the appraiser’s description, which will appear on the right. To enlarge those descriptions, click on it and it will appear on the left. Scroll around to see how they identified the neighborhood and its inhabitants and how appraisers felt about the area’s long-term prospects. […]
Mike Wilkinson
Mike has been a reporter for Bridge Michigan since 2013 and focuses on data-assisted reporting, often finding stories by analyzing maps and data sets and has created Bridge's dashboards on COVID-19, the state's economy and Michigan's elections. He held similar positions at The Detroit News and The Blade of Toledo. A native of Michigan, Mike grew up in Macomb County, graduated from the University of Michigan and started his reporting career in New Baltimore before his career took him to Illinois, Tennessee and Ohio. You can reach him at mwilkinson@bridgemi.com
Posted inMichigan Government
Battle Creek, then and now
1937 On the historic maps, click on an area to see the appraiser’s description, which will appear on the right. To enlarge those descriptions, click on it and it will appear on the left. Scroll around to see how they identified the neighborhood and its inhabitants and how appraisers felt about the area’s long-term prospects. […]
Posted inMichigan Government
How many in your county would be most vulnerable to Obamacare repeal?
While everyone would feel the impact of the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, some are more vulnerable than others. Almost one in 10 Michigan residents have health insurance either through Obamacare individual plans or through Medicaid expansion. See how many in your county would be affected.
Posted inMichigan Government
Dear teacher: We want to hire you. Here’s a huge pay cut. Sincerely, unions.
At a time of teacher shortages in some cities, union contracts in Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids limit what districts can pay to attract experienced teachers from the outside.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Sorry we foreclosed your home. But thanks for fixing our budget.
Counties across Michigan profit from selling foreclosed homes and charging fees on back taxes to down-and-out residents. No place does it more than Wayne County.
Posted inQuality of Life
Interactive map: See population changes in YOUR community
Census shows Michigan’s population woes aren’t distributed evenly. As Detroit withers, many of its suburbs are adding thousands. And while much of northern Michigan is shrinking in population, west Michigan is growing.
Posted inQuality of Life
Should Michigan make it easier to opt out of school vaccines?
More kindergartners get their shots after the state made it harder to receive a waiver for them. Now, two lawmakers want to go back to the old system, but health officials say doing so is an invitation to trouble.
Posted inQuality of Life
Database: Search vaccination rate of YOUR school
Immunization rates have risen in Michigan after a rule change. Use this database to see how your school compares.
Posted inQuality of Life
Interactive map: Vaccination rates across Michigan
Click on a county to see how rates changed overall and in public and private schools.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Streetcar travels through some of richest parts of Detroit (interactive map)
Use this map to examine building permits and income along the route of the QLINE