The Mission for 2026

A note from Executive Editor Noah Glick:

A new year is always an exciting time. It represents a fresh start. Endless possibilities for change and growth. Opportunities to forge new paths.

At the Ally, we’re also excited for the year ahead. We have big hopes and goals, and it’s only possible through your support.

Let me give you just a taste of some of the things we’re working toward in 2026.

Highlighting the people and ideas that make up our communities

There are many things that need improving out there, and it’s important to report on the problems facing our communities. But, when all you see is coverage on problems, it can feel pretty hopeless and frankly, easy to tune out.

This year, we’re working to combat that by highlighting some of the people in our world who are working on solutions to the challenges we all face. Whether you agree with the solution or not isn’t important. What is important is that we can all see each other as neighbors and friends working together.

It’s a focus on people and reality, not characters and stereotypes.

Lofty? Maybe. Too wistful? Probably. Important? Critically so.

Filling information gaps with data and collaboration

We know that when we’re showing the reality on the ground and connecting policy decisions to everyday life, we’re adding value to the time you spend with us. Often, that means finding data to help tell the story–and fill critical gaps in the conversation.

For example, our grocery price tracker was one of our most popular stories from last year, and we have plans to expand that to include things like childcare, health coverage, and utilities.

Leaning into more multimedia and long-form projects

I’m going to let you in on a secret that I probably shouldn’t admit. I don’t think anyone should spend more than about 30 minutes reading the news on any given day. Frankly, there’s too much of it out there, much of the stories are repetitive, and a lot of the discourse is designed to distract and divide.

We’re hoping in the new year to add to the conversation, not the noise.

What you read and engage with matters, and it’s why in 2026, we are pushing even further into long-form, high-quality storytelling that leaves you with information on your community and how to get involved.

You can get involved now by supporting these ideas and more as we work toward building the next chapter of the Sierra Nevada Ally. We are reader-supported, community-focused and dedicated to bringing you more solutions-focused stories from our roster of amazing writers and contributors.