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Stout study shows economic case for tenant legal counsel; Council advances ADU pilot and wholesaler rules discussed
Summary
A Stout analysis commissioned by the city estimated that fully scaling access to counsel could cost about $6.1 million and yield an estimated $24.4 million in collateral public‑sector savings; Council also discussed an ADU pilot with $1 million in capital funding and draft rules to regulate predatory property wholesaling.
The committee reviewed a recent Stout study and heard testimony from Legal Aid and community advocates about the role of legal representation, while council offices also presented an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) pilot and proposed wholesaler disclosure requirements.
The Stout analysis, released publicly last month, estimated that full implementation of an eviction access‑to‑counsel program for eligible tenants could require a $6.1 million investment and could generate an estimated $24.4 million in economic benefits across homelessness prevention, healthcare and social services (an estimated $4 in community savings for every $1 spent). Stout projected representation for roughly 4,900 households annually at full scale (about 25 percent of households facing eviction filings), and Legal Aid witnesses described how counsel can prevent unfair evictions and create more sustainable settlements for tenants.
Council offices said they are researching codifying a right to counsel and assessing funding and eligibility options. In parallel, the committee heard presentations on complementary housing tools: Naya Walters described an ADU pilot with $1 million in capital funding to subsidize new/modular accessory dwelling units for households up to 120 percent of area median income, providing up to 30 percent of construction costs (capped at $50,000) and technical assistance; Homeport will help administer the program.
Council President Shannon Harden also presented draft wholesaler‑regulation legislation aimed at predatory wholesalers who solicit distressed owners. The draft would require wholesalers to register with Building & Zoning Services, provide written disclosures identifying themselves and their role, adhere to specified business practices and be subject to penalties for noncompliance. Representatives from Columbus Realtors urged adoption of disclosure requirements and said the industry would partner on implementation.
What’s next: Offices said they will continue stakeholder outreach, refine eligibility and fiscal analyses for access‑to‑counsel, advance the ADU pilot implementation planning and develop draft wholesale‑registration procedures for review.
