Msnbc.com acquires EveryBlock, what it means for local media: We just announced here at msnbc.com that we’ve acquired EveryBlock.com, an innovative site that provides news data at the neighborhood block level, like crime reports and construction permits.  I’ve been a fan of EveryBlock since it landed the Knight Foundation “News Challenge” grant (and before that, ChicagoCrime.org), and even a bigger fan since my wife and I launched a news blog for our neighborhood.   Everyblock is a terrific resource with tremendous potential, and I’m very excited that Adrian Holovaty and his very talented team are joining msnbc.com.  ”We’ll continue to run the first and best microlocal news Web site on the planet, with the same six people, with the same logo and design, with the same everyblock.com domain,” Adrian writes. A few more details about the deal here, and you can read Adrian’s announcement on his personal blog here.

Because I know this will be the first question many of you will ask – what does this mean for local media?  One of our first conversations will be how we can share EveryBlock data with local media partners.  Our plan is not to compete with the local news ecosystem, but identify ways to reinforce it.  After all, data complements coverage.  Msnbc.com has been partnered with local TV stations and newspapers for years, and we’re excited to explore new ways to work together.  This won’t happen overnight, so please be patient, and stay tuned for more details.

By the way, this is msnbc.com’s second acquisition in the company’s history. Newsvine was the first, back in 2007, and CEO Mike Davidson has some perspective about the EveryBlock acquisition here. Both companies have 6 employees and a green logo, but unlike Mike, Adrian has mad skills on the guitar. (I couldn’t resist.) Welcome EveryBlock!