Northwest Wayne News

Mayor Mike Duggan and partners celebrated a significant milestone as Project Clean Slate reached its 10,000th successful expungement, creating new opportunities for Detroit residents. The initiative, established in 2016, has been instrumental in changing the lives of thousands by removing barriers to employment, education, and housing.

"We created Project Clean Slate because we saw two things – growing opportunity in our city and a lot of our citizens who couldn’t access much of it because of past mistakes they had made, many of which are decades old," Mayor Duggan stated. "Detroit is a city of second chance and Project Clean Slate is making sure thousands of Detroiters now have their second chance to participate in their city’s revitalization. They didn’t give up on Detroit and Detroit didn't give up on them."

The program, which expunged 8 records in 2017 and over 5,300 in 2023, has been a beacon of hope for many Detroit residents. It has not only helped individuals clear their criminal records but has also facilitated access to better employment opportunities, as evidenced by a client who saw their hourly wage increase from $10 to $26 post-expungement.

Nicholas DuBose, a beneficiary of Project Clean Slate, shared how his quality of life significantly improved after participating in the program. DuBose's story echoes the sentiments of many others who have benefited from the initiative, citing increased confidence, better job prospects, and the ability to support their families as key outcomes.

The impact of the 2021 Expungement Legislation has been substantial, with more Detroiters becoming eligible for expungement. The legislation, which Mayor Duggan played a role in reforming, has paved the way for automatic expungement of certain convictions, streamlining the process and increasing the program's efficiency.

With a success rate of 99.7%, Project Clean Slate has been a resounding success, expunging over 10,100 records since its inception. The program's impact goes beyond numbers, with clients experiencing tangible benefits such as improved employment opportunities and the removal of stigma associated with past convictions.

Mayor Duggan expressed his gratitude to city workers and state partners for their collaborative efforts in making Project Clean Slate a success. The initiative's effectiveness has garnered national recognition, serving as a model for other cities looking to address barriers to opportunity for their residents.

As Project Clean Slate continues to transform lives and create pathways to success, Mayor Duggan and his partners remain committed to supporting Detroiters in their journey towards a brighter future.