Pima County’s transition center reports lower rebooking rates and expands services; board backs expansion

County staff reported notable outcomes from the Transition Center’s first full calendar year of operation and laid out near-term expansion plans.

Highlights: Transition Center staff told the board they had served more than 5,000 unique individuals in about two-and-a-half years and logged roughly 11,000 points of service in a single high month. The center’s rebooking rate for non-domestic-violence misdemeanors fell from approximately 28% in a pre-center control group to 11% in the first full year and to 6% in 2025, a metric staff used to indicate reduced short-term recidivism for people who pass through the center.

Programmatic developments: Staff said the center transported more than 500 people to services or court appearances, implemented a consolidated warrant-resolution program that resolves roughly 80 warrants per month, and increased family-engagement supports to improve court compliance and recovery outcomes. The center will recruit staff to expand to seven-day operations in May and is seeking funds to add a modular trailer for staff workspace and secure storage; Arizona Complete Health awarded a $100,000 grant and staff are seeking the remaining ~$85,000 for installation and furniture.

Board response: Supervisors praised the results and asked for periodic updates, especially on how the center’s warrant-resolution and transportation efforts affect court appearance and long-term outcomes. Supervisor Connell urged using contingency funds for the modular shortfall and supervisors requested metrics on court appearance and transport outcomes as expansions move forward.

Ending: The board voiced support for expansion and asked staff for follow-up reporting on program metrics and any additional funding requests; staff committed to weekly outreach and a May timeline for seven-day operations.