Right to Counsel Evening Meeting – March 5, 2026

The City of Detroit held its annual Right to Counsel public meeting on March 5, 2026, to review the progress and impact of the Right to Counsel program since its inception in March 2023. The program provides free legal representation to tenants facing eviction in the 36th District Court, aiming to reduce eviction rates and support housing stability. Key highlights included a significant increase in tenants receiving full legal representation—from 4% pre-program to 94% in 2025—and a reduction in eviction filings from over 30,000 to around 20,000 annually. The meeting featured detailed data on demographics, case types, and outcomes, emphasizing the program's role in helping vulnerable populations such as families with children, seniors, and subsidized housing tenants. Discussions also addressed funding challenges post-ARPA, with current allocations insufficient to cover all eligible tenants, and advocacy efforts for additional state and city funding. Stakeholders highlighted the public health implications of eviction, the need for expanded outreach and legal support, and proposed strategies like a right to lease renewal and enhanced landlord compliance enforcement. The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts among legal service providers, city officials, and community organizations to sustain and improve the program's effectiveness in preserving housing stability for Detroit residents.