Attachment A - March 20, 2024 EDH Minutes.pdf

Attachment A 
 
Phoenix City Council 
Economic Development and Housing (EDH) Subcommittee 
Summary Minutes 
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 
City Council Chambers 
200 W. Jefferson St. 
Phoenix, Ariz. 
Subcommittee Members Present                  Subcommittee Members Absent 
Chairman Kevin Robinson, Chair 
Vice Mayor Debra Stark 
Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari 
 
Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington 
 
 
 
 
CALL TO ORDER 
Chairman Robinson called the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee to 
order at 10:01 a.m. with Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari and Councilwoman Kesha 
Hodge Washington present.  
 
Chairman Robinson began the meeting by congratulating Councilwoman Ansari on her 
upcoming transition from her role as a Councilwoman as she prepares for her run for 
United States Congress. 
 
Councilwoman Ansari expressed her appreciation to Chairman Robinson and the 
subcommittee for their work, stating it feels bittersweet to say goodbye to the City 
Council. She shared the impactful work of the subcommittee on housing, opioid 
response, education, and the arts, noting that residents are encouraged by the progress 
being made. Councilwoman Ansari mentioned the thoughtful response to homeless 
solutions, rising issues with fentanyl, prevention programs, Narcan programs, and the 
forward-looking vision for the City. She expressed that it has been a huge honor for her 
to serve and that she will miss everyone. 
 
CALL TO THE PUBLIC 
Nancy Palmer, a resident of Surprise, commented on the importance of the right to 
counsel, sharing her personal experience with a management company involved in a 
pyramid scheme. She explained that despite being listed as the primary residence, they 
were renting out the property, and when the rent was abruptly raised, they faced 
eviction. Thanks to the right to counsel from Community Legal Services (CLS), she was 
able to postpone eviction until May 5th. She said she still faced homelessness as she 
has nowhere else to go. Ms. Palmer stated the need for tenants to have a voice in court 
proceedings, as judges often only hear the landlord's side and order tenants to pay 
owed money and vacate within seven days. She expressed her sympathy for others 
facing similar situations, including her own family.

Chairman Robinson requested Ms. Palmer to wait for her turn to address item seven on 
the agenda.  
 
MINUTES OF MEETINGS 
 
1. Minutes of the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee Meeting 
Councilwoman Ansari made a motion to approve the minutes of the Feb. 14, 2024, 
Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee meeting. Councilwoman Hodge 
Washington seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 3-0. 
 
CONSENT ACTION (ITEMS 2-3)  
 
Items 2-3 were for consent action. No presentations were planned, but City staff was 
available to answer questions. 
 
2. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Housing and Urban Development Consolidated Plan 
Annual Action Plan  
Consent only. No Councilmember requested additional information. 
 
3. Artist Contract for 3rd Street Rio Salado Bicycle/ Pedestrian Bridge Public Art 
Projects 
Consent only. No Councilmember requested additional information. 
 
Councilwoman Ansari made a motion to approve Consent Items 2 and 3. 
Councilwoman Hodge Washington seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 3-
0. 
 
INFORMATION ONLY (ITEM 4) 
 
4. Head Start Birth to Five Monthly Report – Jan. 
Information only. No Councilmember requested additional information. 
 
INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION (ITEMS 5-7)  
 
5. Opioid Response Planning Environmental Scan Results  
Public Health Advisor Nicole Witt and Arizona State University Substance use and 
Addiction Translational Research Network (SATRN) Dr. Michelle Shiota presented on 
the item. 
 
Councilwoman Hodge Washington asked to identify areas where additional funding 
could make a significant impact. 
 
Dr. Shiota explained the prioritized investments outlined are mainly suitable for 
implementation at the City level. She included initiatives such as schools, harm 
reduction services, transportation, and housing, which are better suited to be 
implemented within the context of the City.

Ms. Witt added the collaboration between the Office of Public Health, Maricopa County, 
and state partners to ensure that proposed investments do not duplicate existing 
funding. She stated the importance of waiting for input from Maricopa County and other 
government partners before finalizing City level investments.  
 
Chairman Robinson asked about additional measures that could be taken in terms of 
justice system diversion to address homelessness, acknowledging that incarceration is 
not a solution to the issue.  
 
Ms. Witt said the importance of reducing stigma around substance use and educating 
the community about Good Samaritan laws. She then said the need for increased 
outreach and education to build trust in diversion programs and ensure that services are 
readily available when individuals seek help. Ms. Witt also underscored the importance 
of collaboration with justice system colleagues to facilitate successful diversion and 
connection to necessary services. 
 
Dr. Shiota added the need to support law enforcement colleagues in dealing with 
individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness. She said the importance of 
providing additional training to law enforcement and other City employees to effectively 
address these issues and bridge the gap between enforcing the law and providing 
social services. 
 
6. Phoenix Public Library Bookmobile  
Library Director Rita Hamilton and Deputy Library Director Karl Kendall presented on 
the item.  
 
Chairman Robinson announced the retirement of Ms. Hamilton from the City and 
expressed gratitude for her dedicated years of service. 
 
Mr. Kendall shared Bookmobile outreach has regular service Tuesday through 
Saturdays.  
 
Councilwoman Ansari expressed her excitement about the new library initiative in the 
Estrella region, and the significance as the area's first library.  
 
Councilwoman Hodge Washington expressed gratitude for the bookmobile program and 
hoping for its success to expand into a fleet of bookmobiles, fostering better 
communities and inspiring future generations of readers and authors. 
 
7. Legal Representation for Evictions 
Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and Deputy Human Services Director Susan Hallett 
presented on the item. 
 
Councilwoman Hodge Washington asked about statistics on outcomes such as 
dismissals, continuances, settlements, and the proportion of cases involving monetary 
versus non-monetary defaults, seeking clarification on the program's effectiveness.

Ms. Montes requested Director of Litigation and Advocacy for Community Legal 
Services, Pamela Bridge to address members of the subcommittee for questions.  
 
Ms. Bridge addressed concerns about the accuracy of data collection regarding 
outcomes of cases. She mentioned that while the current data may not fully reflect all 
successes, they are working on improving the data collection process to provide more 
accurate information in the future. She highlighted that there are often successful 
resolutions negotiated by advocates that may not neatly fit into predefined categories, 
such as settlements that prevent evictions while allowing tenants to move out on their 
terms. Ms. Bridge emphasized the importance of considering such negotiated 
resolutions, even if there may not be legal merit in the case. 
 
Councilwoman Hodge Washington asked on whether the data indicates whether the 
percentages of cases primarily involve monetary defaults or non-monetary defaults. She 
also requested examples of the top cases in situations involving non-monetary defaults. 
 
Ms. Bridge sought clarification on whether the question pertained to the percentage of 
cases where 75 percent involved non-payment of rent. 
 
Councilwoman Hodge Washington replied yes.  
 
Ms. Bridge clarified that among the cases they handle, 75 percent involve non-payment 
of rent and other types of cases include situations where tenants are alleged to have 
violated the lease, cases of non-renewals where landlords choose not to renew leases, 
and cases involving federally subsidized housing, which have different regulations. She 
can provide further breakdowns of these percentages.  
 
Councilwoman Hodge Washington expressed interest in obtaining data regarding the 
demographics of tenants assisted by the program, particularly in light of the increasing 
older population. She emphasized the importance of extending the reach of the program 
to ensure awareness among individuals who may benefit from it.  
 
Ms. Bridge mentioned that they collect demographic data on all clients who apply at 
Community Legal Services. She stated her staff aim to increase awareness of their 
services in the community through in-person events, monthly clinics, videos in Spanish 
and English, and distributing brochures to apartment complexes with high eviction rates, 
following a suggestion from a Justice Court judge. 
 
Councilwoman Ansari expressed gratitude for bringing the discussion on right to 
counsel to the subcommittee. She highlighted the success of other jurisdictions, such as 
Philadelphia and Kansas City, in achieving significant savings and favorable outcomes 
for tenants through legal representation. She also raised questions about the eligibility 
criteria for the Community Legal Services program and potential recommendations for 
expanding it to specific income or demographic groups.

Ms. Bridge clarified that the current eligibility criteria for the Community Legal Services 
program include City residents who are within 200 percent of the federal poverty line. 
She mentioned that it's rare to turn down individuals with higher income levels who 
apply for services, as they may not typically apply due to the eligibility criteria. She 
mentioned at least one member of the household facing eviction must have some legal 
status in the United States to qualify for assistance.  
 
Councilwoman Ansari asked next steps to expand program.  
 
Ms. Montes expressed willingness to further explore funding options for the right to 
counsel program, acknowledging the tight budget environment and the need to prioritize 
current services funded with federal funds. She suggested looking into alternative 
funding sources beyond the general fund. Additionally, she agreed to gather data on 
past evictions and their effects on individuals' housing searches for future discussion.  
Chairman Robinson emphasized the importance of exploring opportunities for additional 
funding, both from governmental sources and the private sector, to support the right to 
counsel program. He acknowledged the budgetary constraints but emphasized the 
significance of partnering with other entities to move the program forward.  
 
Chairman Robinson opened the floor to public comment.  
 
Miesha Fish shared her experience as a longtime resident of Phoenix who has faced 
homelessness, received Section 8 assistance, and is passionate about advocacy work 
for housing rights. She mentioned the importance of the source of income ordinance in 
preventing discrimination against voucher holders and low-income individuals but 
expressed disappointment in its enforcement. Ms. Fish stated the need for better 
education for landlords, enforcement procedures, and the right to counsel for tenants 
facing eviction, citing personal vulnerability to homelessness without legal 
representation. She thanked the council for their attention to these issues. 
 
Nancy Palmer shared her distressing situation, stating that she and her family are facing 
homelessness despite efforts to prevent eviction. She recounted their struggles, 
including being misled by their landlord, facing unaffordable rent increases, and 
encountering legal obstacles. She said there is urgent need for legal representation to 
protect their housing rights and prevent unjust eviction. She appealed for assistance 
from anyone who could provide legal support and urged council members to address 
systemic issues contributing to her predicament. 
 
John Pollack commented on insights into the effectiveness of right to counsel programs 
in civil cases. He shared data demonstrating the success of such programs in various 
jurisdictions, including significant rates of tenant retention and resolution of disputes. Mr. 
Pollack emphasized that these programs can benefit both tenants and landlords by 
facilitating smoother communication and dispute resolution. He addressed funding 
concerns, noting that the scope of eligibility for right to counsel can be adjusted based 
on available resources.

Keith Knight advocated for the implementation of the right to counsel policy. He 
highlighted the impact the policy can have on housing stability, leading to decreased 
homelessness, lower healthcare costs, and greater economic mobility. He then added 
the potential for Phoenix to become a beacon of societal health and progress by 
implementing the right to counsel. 
 
Andrea Luna Servantes emphasized the importance of implementing a right to counsel 
ordinance for tenants facing eviction in Phoenix. She highlighted the positive outcomes 
seen when tenants have legal representation and pointed out that preventative 
measures like this can provide a good return on investment, ultimately costing less than 
finding housing options after individuals become homeless. She thanked those involved 
in the presentation and urged the subcommittee to move forward with implementing the 
right to counsel ordinance.  
 
Mac Gar shared his personal experience of being evicted from a company where he 
had invested money, and he emphasized the need for the City to address such issues. 
He mentioned facing eviction from an apartment that was taken over by the company, 
leading to an unaffordable rent increase. He expressed gratitude for the arguments 
presented to the council and voiced his support for their programs.  
 
Morning Star Bloom, representing Worker Power and speaking as a renter herself, 
highlighted the significant rise in rent costs, with many renters in Phoenix spending over 
30 percent of their income on rent. She referenced a study showing that over 50 percent 
of renter households in Arizona are burdened by rent costs, increasing the risk of 
eviction and homelessness. She stated the importance of right to counsel as a critical 
step in addressing homelessness at its root, citing research on pilot programs that 
demonstrate cost savings for the City. She encouraged the council to extend right to 
counsel to as many people as possible, recognizing the budgetary concerns while 
emphasizing the need for a holistic community effort to make a difference. 
 
Charli Sheaburger voiced the need for a right to counsel in the community, sharing a 
personal story about a family member who struggles with manic depressive disorder 
and faces challenges in maintaining housing due to lack of consistent medication and 
support. She highlighted the importance of providing legal assistance through a right to 
counsel program for individuals like his family member and others facing mental health 
challenges, especially when navigating eviction court. She expressed gratitude for the 
consideration of such a program, emphasizing the critical need for it in the community. 
 
Sebastian Del Portillo expressed his support for the right to counsel program in 
Phoenix, emphasizing its importance in preventing homelessness and eviction. He 
thanked various individuals involved in advocating for the program and highlighted the 
significance of viewing it as a cost-saving measure for the city rather than a spending 
program. He shared anecdotes from his experiences supporting individuals facing 
eviction, illustrating the dire need for legal representation in eviction court. He

emphasized the need for fairness and justice in court proceedings and urged the city to 
adopt a right to counsel ordinance to protect vulnerable community members from 
eviction and homelessness. 
 
Noelle Lewis recounted being evicted in November 2023 and described the feelings of 
neglect, dehumanization, and lack of support she experienced during the eviction 
process. She shared the importance of recognizing the human aspect of eviction and 
the need for empathy and support from society and the City. She highlighted her own 
struggles, including dealing with a car accident and the loss of a maternal figure, which 
compounded her mental and emotional challenges during the eviction process. She 
advocated for the right to counsel, urging everyone to approach the issue with 
compassion and empathy, recognizing it as a fundamental human right. 
 
Danielle Witcher expressed her support for passing the right to counsel ordinance, 
emphasizing its potential to save the City money and prevent homelessness. She 
shared her experience in Ohio, where similar measures have been implemented, she 
highlighted the importance of legal representation in legal proceedings, including 
negotiations. She then urged the Council to prioritize this legal procedure and ensure 
that counsel is available to those who need it.  
 
Evelynne Castillo urged the Council to pass an ordinance implementing a right to 
counsel program. She shared her personal experiences of homelessness and instability 
due to the lack of affordable housing in Arizona. She highlighted the impact of the 
housing crisis on families and communities, stressing that providing legal representation 
to tenants facing eviction is crucial in protecting their rights and preventing unlawful 
evictions. She called on the Council to prioritize affordable housing and ensure that 
everyone has access to safe and dignified living conditions. 
 
Luke Black shared his personal experience as a renter in Phoenix and highlighted the 
need for right to legal counsel for those facing eviction. He recounted a situation where 
he was threatened with eviction over a minor issue regarding a grill on his patio, 
emphasizing the common occurrence of landlords taking advantage of renters. He 
stressed that access to legal representation is essential for tenants who often face 
challenges in attending legal proceedings due to work or other commitments. He urged 
the Council to proactively address the predatory practices of landlords by implementing 
a right to counsel program, emphasizing that the necessary funding is readily available. 
He then encouraged the Council to prioritize the well-being of the community by 
directing funds towards this initiative. 
 
Chairman Robinson closed the floor to public comment.  
 
Councilwoman Hodge Washington provided some follow-up based on the public 
comments received during the meeting. She mentioned the recent extension of funding, 
now totaling $1.3 million until December 31st of the current year. She expressed trust 
that any shortfall would be brought back to the subcommittee and council for potential

extension. She proposed considering additional levels of income eligibility beyond the 
current threshold of 200 percent of the federal poverty limit, along with the budgetary 
impact of such adjustments. She suggested exploring private funding options, citing 
Detroit as an example where private funding facilitated program implementation. 
Councilwoman Hodge Washington emphasized the importance of expanding the scope 
of funding sources for the program. 
 
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION (ITEMS 8-10)  
 
8. Abandoned Shopping Cart Program Update  
Deputy City Manager Gina Montes, Neighborhood Services Director Spencer Self, and 
Deputy Neighborhood Services Director Anamaria Ortega presented on the item.  
 
Councilwoman Ansari made a motion to approve the item. Councilwoman Hodge 
Washington seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 3-0. 
 
9. Enhanced Municipal Services District (EMSD) Boundary Expansion 
Assistant Community and Economic Development Director Eric Johnson and Deputy 
Community and Economic Development Director Xandon Keating presented on the 
item. 
 
Councilwoman Ansari made a motion to approve the item. Councilwoman Hodge 
Washington seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 3-0. 
 
10. Phoenix Youth R.I.S.E (Summer Youth Program) 
Assistant Community and Economic Development Director Eric Johnson and Business 
and Workforce Deputy Director LaSetta Hogans presented on the item. 
 
Councilwoman Ansari made a motion to approve the item. Councilwoman Hodge 
Washington seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 3-0. 
 
CALL TO THE PUBLIC  
 
 
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 
 
 
ADJOURNMENT 
Chairman Robinson adjourned the meeting at 12:02 p.m. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
Johnathan Gates 
Management Fellow