Michael Rodriguez joined copubli as one of its founding reporters, bringing with him over a decade of experience in community journalism. Born and raised in the downtown area, Michael's deep connection to the city informs his nuanced reporting on neighborhood issues and local governance.

After earning his degree in Journalism from State University, Michael began his career at the City Chronicle, where he spent five years covering city hall and local politics. His investigative series on municipal spending won a regional press award and led to policy changes in the city's budget process.

"I believe that local journalism is essential to a functioning community," Michael says. "When people understand what's happening in their neighborhood and who's making decisions that affect their daily lives, they become more engaged citizens."

At copubli, Michael focuses on community development, local government initiatives, and neighborhood events. He's particularly interested in how policy decisions impact everyday residents and works to make complex issues accessible to all readers.

When he's not reporting, Michael volunteers with a youth journalism program at the downtown community center and serves on the board of the Local History Society. He's an avid cyclist and can often be found exploring the city's neighborhoods on his bike, which he says helps him discover stories that might otherwise go untold.