The Jersey Bee is a nonprofit, community-centered news organization dedicated to providing public service journalism that directly responds to local information needs. Originally launched in April 2020 as The Bloomfield Information Project during the COVID-19 pandemic, it emerged as a response to urgent gaps in reliable, accessible local information. Over time, the initiative expanded beyond Bloomfield and, in 2023, rebranded as The Jersey Bee to reflect a broader mission and reach.
The newsroom operates with a collaborative approach, working alongside residents to produce reporting that is relevant, practical, and rooted in community priorities. Its journalism focuses on civic engagement, local governance, and everyday issues that shape quality of life, while also fostering participation and dialogue among residents.
As an initiative of Community Info Coop, The Jersey Bee is part of a broader effort to build sustainable, community-owned media systems. Its work blends reporting with civic information tools, newsletters, and engagement programs designed to empower communities with the knowledge they need to navigate local systems.
Led by founder and Executive Editor Simon Galperin, the organization represents an emerging model of local journalism—one that prioritizes collaboration, accessibility, and the active role of communities in shaping their own media ecosystems.