Phoenix City Council Subcommittee Meeting on Arts and Tenant Assistance - May 28, 2025

The subcommittee convened to discuss the economic power of the arts, tenant assistance programs, and to approve the FY2025-2030 Public Art Plan. Key presentations highlighted the significant economic impact of arts and culture, while public testimony and council discussion focused on the need to improve accessibility and outreach for the city's eviction legal services program.

Consent Calendar

• The subcommittee unanimously approved the minutes of the previous meeting.
• Agenda items 2 through 5 were approved unanimously via consent agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Evelyn Castillo (Take Back Our Homes/Organize with Tenants) stated that the city's legal aid program is not well known and not easy to access, and that low usage numbers reflect a failure of outreach and design, not a lack of demand. She urged the city to dramatically expand and promote legal aid and ensure tenants can connect within 24 hours of an eviction notice.
• John Escobar (licensed attorney, public defender) expressed support for eviction legal services, noting that 94% of landlords have attorneys while less than 1% of tenants do. He emphasized that professional advocates save court resources and reach positive outcomes.
• Danielle Witcher testified that she tried to access the program but was passed around and hung up on after two hours, with no return call. She said something needs to be done to make it easier to find help.
• Andrea Luna Service Cervantes (Take Back Our Homes) acknowledged improvements (Spanish intake form, phone number, Saturday staff) but stated that many tenants still face major barriers. She shared the story of Mrs. G, whose application was incomplete due to access issues, and asked the city to develop a plan to sustainably increase the number of tenants served.
• Miyesha Fish (Take Back Our Homes) stated that the eviction assistance and emergency rental programs are substandard and nearly non-existent in her experience. She applied to the city portal over a month ago with no response, and urged improvements and a right-to-counsel ordinance.
• Sebastian Deporteo (Take Back Our Homes) said low usage is not a sign of low need but of poor promotion and a hard-to-access system. He asked for a dramatic increase in the number of people served and for rapid action.
• Pamela Bridge (Community Legal Services, one of three providers) reported that CLS received 24 referrals from the city; of 15 pre-eviction cases, 9 were dismissed. She noted CLS opened 324 cases for Phoenix tenants outside the city referral process, showing high need. She recommended including non-renewals and requiring landlords receiving city subsidies to provide information on the program.
• Daniela Fernandez Lurtsman (Barton Mendesoto, another provider) stated that of 26 cases taken, post-eviction services have helped tenants by negotiating to vacate judgments. She agreed that awareness of the program is growing but needs improvement.
• Robin Dugas (Cronus Law, third provider) shared that of 18 referrals, 14 were non-payment of rent, and she was able to negotiate reductions and vacate judgments. She cited over 6,000 evictions in Maricopa County in March 2025, emphasizing the program's importance.
• Councilwoman Hodge Washington asked providers about the program's effectiveness and recommendations, noting the need for better data capture and capacity.

Discussion Items

• Economic Power of the Arts (Item 8):

  • Mitch Manchaca (Arts & Culture Director) presented data from the 2022 Arts and Economic Prosperity Study: $151.7 billion national economic impact, $1 billion in Arizona, and nearly $500 million in Phoenix, supporting 7,600 jobs and $323.5 million in personal income. 90% of residents said cultural activities inspired pride. The creative industries in Phoenix include 3,600 arts-related businesses providing 39,552 jobs. Public art is a $4.6 billion industry; Phoenix's collection has over 250 outdoor pieces, contributing $12 million to the economy over five years. The Percent for Art Ordinance (1% of CIP) funds the program. Tempe and Scottsdale have additional private development art ordinances.
  • Sharon Harper (Chairman/CEO, Plaza Companies) discussed private sector and philanthropic partnerships, citing 10,000 grants in Maricopa County ($127 million for arts) and the $30 million Go Bond. She highlighted examples at Park Central and the Phoenix Medical Quarter, emphasizing that arts create a sense of place and attract talent.
  • Serena Raimi (GPEC) introduced the "Most Decorated Region" initiative, positioning Greater Phoenix as having the #9 largest public art collection globally and #3 in the U.S. (811 regional works, 379 in Phoenix). Goal: reach 2,500 works to rank #1 nationally and 3,300 for #1 globally. The platform has over 1,000 monthly views.
  • Councilmembers discussed the potential for a private development art ordinance, geographic equity, and the importance of arts in economic development.

• Tenant Assistance Programs (Item 7):

  • Jacqueline Edwards (Human Services Director) presented three programs:
    1. Rental and Utility Assistance: $4.5 million budget in FY25; year-to-date $1.6 million in rental assistance to 949 households (avg $1,683), and $1.8 million in utility assistance to 3,390 households (avg $550). Eligibility: ≤200% FPL ($64,300 for family of four), Phoenix resident, risk of homelessness. Emergency criteria prioritized.
    2. Landlord Tenant Program: Educational workshops (36 in FY25, 159 landlords, 1,704 tenants), over 10,000 clients served through calls and in-person. Works with code enforcement on health/safety hazards.
    3. Eviction Legal Services (ELS): $1.2 million (ARPA interest funds). Since January, 140 requests, 85 accepted and referred to three legal service providers (all accepted). 71% for legal representation, 29% for post-eviction services. 35 cases closed: 9 negotiated settlements, 5 affordable housing units preserved, 3 evictions prevented, 4 tenants remained without eviction, 3 left without eviction, 1 extended time, 7 reduced/waived fees, 3 back rent reduced/waived. Capacity: 50 new cases per month. Outreach ongoing via social media, water bills, and targeted community outreach planned for high-eviction areas.
  • Councilmembers asked detailed questions about eligibility, application process, turnaround times (1 business day for city review, 2 business days for provider), language accessibility (Spanish form in progress), and the 41 incomplete applications. Councilwoman Hodge Washington requested a plan to expand outreach and increase capacity, and suggested partnerships with landlords and community organizations.

Key Outcomes

• The subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the FY2025-2030 Public Art Plan (motion passed unanimously). The plan includes 45 projects with a five-year budget of $24,406,464, covering airport expansions, Go Bond projects, heat mitigation, and neighborhood initiatives.
• No formal vote was taken on tenant assistance programs, but councilmembers directed staff to improve outreach, streamline the application process, and consider expanding the eviction legal services program. Councilwoman Hodge Washington requested a detailed plan to increase accessibility and measure the true need, including capturing data from providers' direct cases. The subcommittee acknowledged the need for better public awareness and faster response times.