Cambridge City Council supports Clean Slate legislation for criminal justice reform

The Cambridge City Council held a regular meeting on May 19, 2025, addressing several significant topics, including criminal justice reform and the structure of city commissions.

The meeting commenced with discussions surrounding the intersection of transformative justice and mass incarceration. Council members expressed their support for community initiatives aimed at addressing these issues, particularly highlighting the importance of understanding the challenges faced by Black men in the context of criminal justice. Councilor Wilson acknowledged the efforts of local organizations, such as the Black Response and the Bob Moses Project, in advocating for systemic change.

Following this, the council moved to Policy Order Number 2, proposed by Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. This order sought to explore the potential for enhancing the functions of the Peace Commission by integrating it with another city department, such as the Human Rights Commission. Councilor Wheeler clarified that the intent was not to eliminate the Peace Commission but to improve its effectiveness. The discussion included concerns about personnel matters, particularly given the current absence of a permanent director for the Peace Commission. Councilor Nolan suggested that the review should also consider the Police Review and Advisory Board (PRAB) to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of related functions.

Councilor Sadiki then introduced Policy Order Number 3, which expressed support for the Clean Slate Massachusetts campaign. This initiative aims to automate the sealing of criminal records for individuals who have completed their sentences, thereby reducing barriers to employment and housing. Councilor Sadiki emphasized the importance of this legislation for promoting racial and economic justice, noting that similar resolutions have been passed in other cities, such as Springfield.

The council unanimously adopted the Clean Slate policy order, with additional support from Councilor Nolan, who joined as a co-sponsor.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a tunnel engineering study, which was pulled by Councilor Azim. He expressed excitement about the potential of the project but raised concerns about budget implications, suggesting that a budgetary framework be established to ensure alignment with the city’s financial context.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing critical social issues and improving city governance through thoughtful policy discussions and community engagement.