Building Colorado’s
Community Information
Commons
A Shared Home for Local Information – Powered by the People
The Community Information Commons is an initiative that connects residents, journalists and community organizations across Colorado’s Front Range. Led by Empower Media Exchange, its purpose is to strengthen access to trustworthy local information.
More than a news hub, it’s a shared civic resource, where everyone has a voice in shaping how stories are told and what issues take center stage.
The Purpose
In a time when misinformation spreads fast and local voices are often lost in an abundance of content, EMX is building a shared, public space – both online and offline – for communities to exchange stories, ideas and data that inspire connection, accountability and belonging.
The Commons ensures that the people most impacted by local decisions are part of the storytelling process itself — from idea to publication to action.
How It Works
Community Information Sharing Hub
Hosted through Front Range Focus, EMX’s digital news platform, the Community Information Commons allows community organizations to communicate directly with residents. Nonprofits, schools, neighborhood associations and local agencies can share announcements, events and updates under the Community page.
Community Advisory Board
A diverse Community Advisory Board (CAB) serves as the steering committee for the Community Information Commons. The CAB ensures that coverage reflects topics of community importance, represents all cultural and geographic communities across the Front Range and upholds EMX’s values of integrity, inclusion, and collaboration.
Join the CAB — lend your voice to help guide equitable, people-powered media.
Collaborative Storytelling & Data Projects
Through EMX’s Strategic Narrative Labs, storytelling apprenticeships and partnerships with local media and academic institutions, the Community Information Commons facilitates joint projects that turn raw data and lived experiences into public knowledge – creating stories that lead to understanding and action.
Why It Matters
A healthy information commons is the foundation of a healthy society.
Here’s how the Community Information Commons benefits everyone:
- Funders and policymakers gain deeper insight into the needs and perspectives of the communities they serve.
- Residents gain reliable, relevant information about local issues, events and opportunities.
- Organizations connect with audiences directly, amplifying their programs and community impact.
- Journalists gain access to a steady flow of credible story leads and local expertise.
Community Benefits
Transparency
Every contribution to the Community Information Commons is vetted for accuracy and relevance, with clear attribution and ethical data practices.
Representation
Every voice – from neighborhood leaders to youth creators – is invited to shape the narrative, prioritizing inclusiveness and belonging.
Engagement
The Commons invites two-way dialogue: community members can comment, suggest topics and participate in public listening sessions.
Collaboration
Journalists, nonprofits and residents work together to produce stories that matter, ensuring that they reach wide audiences through Front Range Focus and partner outlets.
GET INVOLVED
Help us build a stronger local ecosystem, together.
SHARE YOUR NEWS
Got a community event, resource, or opportunity to share?
👉 Submit to the Community Page
JOIN THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
Be part of the team shaping the Commons.
👉 Apply Here
PARTNER WITH EMX
Let’s collaborate on storytelling, media training or outreach.
👉 Become a Partner
STAY INFORMED
Subscribe for updates, new opportunities and impact stories.
👉 Join the Mailing List
Accountability & Impact
The Community Information Commons is rooted in trust, transparency and inclusivity.
Each year, EMX will release an Impact Dashboard and Community Report tracking:
- Number of community partners and submissions.
- Story reach and audience engagement.
- Geographic and demographic representation.
- Training sessions, youth participation and local collaborations.
This data helps ensure that community information remains a public good, and that the Community Information Commons grows in direct response to the people it serves.
Community Partners & Supporters
We are grateful to the organizations that share our vision for equitable, community-driven storytelling – including the Colorado Energy Office, Colorado Health Foundation, Denver Arts & Venues, LatinasGives Denver and a growing list of civic and media partners across the Front Range.
Interested in joining as a partner?
Education & Media Literacy
Through EMX’s Digital Defense workshops and Strategic Narrative Office Hours, the Community Information Commons also provides training for organizations and residents on how to communicate effectively, ethically and collaboratively in today’s media environment.
These sessions help community members, organizational leaders and changemakers tell their own stories, navigate digital platforms and advocate for themselves through storytelling and public dialogue.
A Collective Effort
The Community Information Commons represents a shared commitment:
to strengthen Colorado’s local information ecosystem, elevating the voices of the community and building a culture of belonging through storytelling.
Together, we can make sure every resident has access to the information – and the platform – they deserve.