Phoenix residents call for funding right to counsel to combat eviction crisis

The Phoenix City Council held a budget hearing on April 5, 2025, focusing on critical community issues, particularly public safety and housing stability. The meeting featured a series of speakers advocating for increased funding for essential services, notably the Phoenix Fire Department and a proposed Right to Counsel ordinance aimed at preventing evictions.

The first speaker emphasized the urgent need for support for the Phoenix Fire Department, highlighting that overwhelmed equipment and staff are impacting response times, which could jeopardize lives and property. The speaker urged the council to prioritize public safety in the budget discussions.

Following this, Andrea Luna addressed the council, advocating for the allocation of permanent annual funding from the general fund to establish a Right to Counsel ordinance. She argued that preventing evictions is not only a moral imperative but also a financially sound decision, as each eviction incurs significant costs for the city in emergency services. Luna pointed out that cities across the nation have successfully implemented similar programs, which have proven to stabilize communities and reduce the burden on public systems.

Raj Arua, another speaker, echoed these sentiments, noting the staggering number of evictions filed in Maricopa County and the need for Phoenix to lead by example in adopting a comprehensive Right to Counsel program. He criticized the current patchwork solutions and called for dedicated funding for outreach and education to ensure that residents are aware of their rights and available resources.

Tony Candelo followed, invoking the legal rights of tenants and urging the council to ensure fair legal representation for those facing eviction. He stressed the importance of safeguarding tenant rights and providing necessary legal support to prevent unjust removals from homes.

The final speaker, Astrid Bowser, a retired social worker, reiterated the importance of the Right to Counsel, emphasizing its potential to protect vulnerable residents from eviction and homelessness.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for the city to address public safety and housing stability through strategic funding in the upcoming budget. The council is expected to consider these proposals as they finalize the budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with a focus on enhancing community welfare and support systems.