The New York City Council convened on May 26, 2025, for a critical hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, focusing on the essential role of legal services in combating poverty and homelessness. The meeting featured testimonies from various organizations advocating for increased funding and timely payments for legal services that support low-income New Yorkers.

Leslie Thrope, Executive Director of Housing Conservation Coordinators, emphasized the significant impact of legal services in preventing homelessness and maintaining family stability. She highlighted that Legal Services NYC, the largest provider of civil legal services in the nation, serves over 100,000 New Yorkers annually, saving the city hundreds of millions of dollars. Thrope pointed out that their eviction prevention program alone saved the city over $300 million last year, demonstrating a nearly 10-to-1 return on investment.

Thrope also raised concerns about the financial strain on nonprofit organizations due to delayed payments from the city, which can extend from six to ten months. She warned that such delays threaten the survival of these organizations and, consequently, the services they provide. The coalition she represents is requesting an increase in funding from $455,000 to $600,000 per partner organization to meet the growing demand for services, including immigration assistance and workers' rights advocacy.

Raquel Namouchin, a tenant advocate from Mobilization for Justice, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for enhanced funding for legal services. She noted that her organization handles approximately 14,000 cases annually, addressing issues related to housing, disability rights, and economic justice. Namouchin highlighted the challenges posed by federal policies that undermine public service ideals and the ongoing delays in contract payments that hinder their ability to serve clients effectively.

Both speakers urged the council to recognize the long-term cost savings associated with investing in legal services, arguing that cutting these programs would ultimately lead to higher costs for the city as more individuals and families fall into crisis. They called for continued and increased investment in legal services to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to remain stable and secure.

The hearing underscored the critical intersection of legal services and social welfare, with advocates stressing that timely funding is essential for maintaining the safety net for New York's working poor and low-income residents. The council's decisions in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of these vital services.