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COMMUNITY VOICES — A Message to Our Next Mayor: Economic Justice Is Good for Growth

August 8, 2025

Detroit faces significant economic challenges with high unemployment rates and income disparities, with households earning $31,000 less than the regional average and $45,000 below what a family of four needs to survive. The Detroit Economic Justice Coalition (DEJC) is advocating for policy changes in their 2025 platform to address workforce barriers, including blanket exclusion policies that prevent people with prior convictions from accessing jobs. According to estimates, persistent inequities are costing the Detroit region approximately $28 billion in lost economic activity annually.

Who is affected

  • Detroit workers and job seekers
  • People with prior convictions seeking employment
  • Detroit households earning significantly less than the regional average
  • Businesses struggling with limited talent pools
  • The broader Detroit community experiencing $28 billion in lost economic activity
  • Detroiters accessing underfunded and uncoordinated workforce services

What action is being taken

  • The Detroit Economic Justice Coalition (DEJC) is advocating for economic justice policies through their 2025 platform
  • Margrit Allen has led revisions of hiring policies across 27 states to be more inclusive for people with prior convictions
  • Allen is building conviction-informed career pathways to reduce employment screening in healthcare settings
  • Some efforts are being made to align workforce programs with the needs of Detroiters facing employment barriers

Why it matters

  • Detroit's unemployment rate exceeds state and national averages
  • Persistent inequities cost the region an estimated $28 billion in economic activity annually
  • Current blanket exclusion policies prevent qualified workers from accessing growing job sectors
  • Limited talent pools strain existing businesses and restrict their growth
  • Community colleges and job training programs are investing in certifying Detroiters for roles they cannot legally take
  • Economic justice is presented as beneficial for business growth and talent attraction

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle