01/13/2026
Today we are announcing that, after some difficult contemplation, DBH 411 will be taking a hiatus for the foreseeable future.
DBH 411 began about four years ago to combat a single problem within the city: a lack of governmental transparency. By many measures we have succeeded: keeping government officials on their toes when things didn’t add up, connecting the dots for many residents, and providing a space to watch City Council meetings together with friends and acquaintances.
However, it is being announced tonight that Rachel has accepted the Water Billing Supervisor position with the City of Dearborn Heights. This is a big change for our family and one that requires ample time to navigate and settle into a new normal. It also requires us to take a deeper look into impartiality as a news organization and how we as individuals can now affect change in new ways.
A single position within the City government isn’t the only reasoning behind this break, though it was the tipping point. I’ve greatly enjoyed spending the last year trying out new ways to serve residents through this outlet and I know our work is really appreciated by a core group of followers. The decision has been extremely difficult to make, but it’s the right one. My responsibilities in other areas of life continue to increase and now I am taking on an even bigger role in providing for my family in different ways during this new phase.
It would not be fair to our followers to provide even further reduced coverage, as I can no longer give DBH 411 the attention you all deserve at the moment.
When the time arrives, we will revisit what is possible with DBH 411. I’m personally excited to see how Rachel will work to provide the same level of transparency from within the City during this transition and I already know she has plenty of ideas that focus on community-driven efforts. As for me, I’ve personally been off of Facebook for at least a year now, which provides a lot more peace but also comes with being less connected to the community. My ability to keep on the pulse of the City has diminished and I no longer feel I am able to provide a high enough level of service.
I thank you all for the kind words over the last few years, and while this particular avenue will be paused for the time being, I will be remaining active in the community in many ways and I look forward to contributing what I can to help better this city we all call home.
Chris LaPointe, co-founder and operator of DBH 411
