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Board approves remote court pod in Tuba City to expand access to justice
Summary
Coconino County approved a license agreement to host a remote court 'Justice Pod' at the Tuba City Library using an Access to Justice grant. County and court officials said the service will reduce travel barriers for residents, noting 900 out‑of‑area court appearances in 2023 from nearby communities.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously April 7 to approve a license agreement that allows the Coconino County Superior Court to place a remote court pod at the Tuba City Library.
Sharon Yates, court administrator, said the Justice Pod is part of an Access to Justice grant from the Arizona Supreme Court and is designed to bring remote hearings closer to communities that currently must travel long distances for in‑person appearances. Michelle Axon (Health and Human Services) described the data that informed the request: in 2023 more than 900 people from Cameron, Tonalea and Tuba City had hearings outside their communities, creating transportation barriers.
Yates and court staff said the pod will be ADA‑compliant and built to be welcoming (court staff opted for a 'court pod' design rather than a sterile 'jail pod'). The pilot will begin with justice courts and could expand to superior court proceedings later; staff said the unit will enable participants to attend hearings by Zoom while accessing local support and case management. Supervisor Fowler emphasized the project’s potential to help people resolve warrants and regain ability to work and drive.
The board approved the license agreement by unanimous voice vote and directed staff to work with the court and library on implementation and a ribbon‑cutting timeline.
