Phoenix outlines eviction legal services results, pilot partnerships and new stability assistance

Human Services Director Jacqueline Edwards presented an update to the Community Services and Education Subcommittee on June 24 on Phoenix's Eviction Legal Services Program and related stabilization initiatives.

Edwards said the city received 766 applications to the eviction legal services program from its launch in January 2025 through March 2026, of which 436 were eligible for referral to a legal-services provider, 260 were incomplete and 70 were ineligible. "In that time, there have been a total of 766 applications and 436 were eligible to be referred to an Eviction Legal Services Provider," she said.

Edwards said 67% of referrals were for legal representation (eviction filings already submitted). Among closed cases, 25% ended with negotiated settlements, and representation cases reduced negative eviction impacts in 48% of instances, delivering an average of 42 additional days for clients to move and nearly $2,600 in back-rent reductions in the set of cases reported.

The program is funded with ARPA interest. "This program is funded with ARPA interest, and we have sufficient funds to operate through June of 2027," Edwards said.

County pilot and city assistance

Edwards described two complementary efforts. First, a Maricopa County Eviction Diversion Pilot — funded with $800,000 from the county Board of Supervisors — will focus landlord engagement and rental assistance in ZIP codes with the highest eviction rates; Phoenix will provide case management and referrals for city residents in the pilot.

Second, the city's new Stability Assistance program, funded through one-time general funds approved in the FY2027 budget under the flexible financial assistance program, will provide up to $2,500 per household for supports tied to individualized stabilization goals. "Households may be eligible for up to $2,500, and these funds can be used for a variety of needs that will improve the housing and financial stability of the participating household," Edwards said. The city projects helping about 360 households and will engage participants for a multi-month stabilization period.

Potential strategies and next steps

Edwards also presented three preliminary strategies the city is exploring: a preferred landlord program that would incentivize landlords to opt in to mediation before filing evictions; a landlord risk-mitigation fund to encourage landlords to rent to tenants with eviction histories; and a one-stop post-eviction stabilization appointment to connect households to benefits and services within three days after eviction. None of the three strategies has an identified funding source yet; HSD said it will explore grants and other options.

Outreach and timing

On outreach, Edwards said the department has sent postcards to landlords it has worked with, used social media and community flyers, and provided materials through the Maricopa County Housing Stability Work Group. The county pilot and other resources are being community-tested and coordinated across partners; county launch activity was described as targeted to begin by the end of August 2026. When asked about program timing for the city's stability assistance, presenters said the program operations are anticipated to begin in July and will route residents through Family Services Centers and other city touchpoints rather than a broad open application for all funds.

Councilmembers asked about funding beyond ARPA interest; Edwards and councilmembers said identifying ongoing funding would be a priority given the program's early positive outcomes. The subcommittee did not take a formal vote on additional funding in this meeting.