Pima County has seen a significant increase in eviction filings in recent years, with 2023 figures surpassing 10,000 based on Arizona court system data. This marks a sharp rise from previous years, when eviction filings in the county were at 5,703 in 2021 and 12,993 in 2023. The economic challenges faced by many individuals have contributed to this surge.
Eric Krznarich, Presiding Constable for Pima County, explains that people are struggling to prioritize their expenses due to rising essential costs like gas. This financial strain is leading to an increase in eviction filings. Despite the pandemic-related programs that helped alleviate some of the pressure last year, the onset of the pandemic and rental assistance programs’ availability have contributed to the rise in eviction filings from 2022 to 2023.
The numbers represent the highest number of eviction filings since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic began. However, with many pandemic-related programs now expired and thousands facing financial challenges, constables like Krznarich and Bill Lake must navigate their responsibilities with empathy and compassion. They emphasize treating everyone with understanding during the eviction process by offering information on social services and explaining options available to those facing eviction. As more people struggle financially due to economic challenges or other factors, officials must balance their duties with empathy and support for those experiencing hardship.