Dozens of Phoenix residents used a city budget hearing to press the council to fund a permanent right-to-counsel program that would provide legal representation for tenants facing eviction.

Community members said the city can avoid later social-service costs by preventing displacement. “Preventing evictions is not only the right thing to do, it's the fiscally responsible thing to do,” said Andrea Luna, one of the first public commenters. “Each eviction costs the city tens of thousands of dollars in emergency shelter, health care, policing, and other crisis services.”

Why this matters: speakers said eviction filings in Phoenix are at historically high levels and that tenants rarely have legal representation. Multiple commenters cited local figures — including repeated claims that Phoenix sees about 40,000 eviction filings a year and that fewer than 1% of tenants receive legal help — and urged the city to invest in a program similar to ones in Philadelphia, Cleveland and other U.S. cities that have reported cost savings after creating right-to-counsel programs.

What commenters asked for: residents and advocates requested permanent annual general-fund allocations to build a citywide program, expanded outreach and tenant education, and promotion of existing eviction legal services. “We have the capacity. What's missing is the commitment from council and the city manager's office,” Andrea Luna said. Numerous speakers described personal harms from evictions or near-evictions, including health, employment and family instability. Catherine Wilkins said she was forced out of an apartment after a $400 rent increase and did not have an attorney.

Supporters also pointed to pilot programs and national examples. Nathan Hatch and others noted Philadelphia's initial investment and Cleveland's reported savings, asking Phoenix to match similar per-capita funding levels. Several speakers said the city’s current eviction assistance program reaches only a small fraction of those affected and must be better funded and promoted.

Council response and next steps: Councilwoman Keisha Hodge Washington, the only councilmember present at the hearing, thanked speakers and said she heard requests for right to counsel and for stronger promotion of legal-assistance services. “I heard you, the right to counsel,” Hodge Washington said, adding that she has represented tenants in evictions and that she was taking notes to inform budget discussions. She also noted staff from relevant departments — including Human Services and the Office of Homeless Solutions — were present and available to speak with attendees.

What the article does not assert: the hearing included many personal testimonials and policy recommendations; there were no formal council votes on a right-to-counsel ordinance during this hearing. Budget adoption and any ordinance would require separate council action.

Ending: Advocates said they will press council offices and staff to allocate general-fund dollars and increase outreach for eviction prevention before the council’s final budget adoption process.