Co-authored by Kiley Yuthas, Graduate Intern
Since the expiration of COVID-era eviction prevention funding and policies combined with shifts in federally-funded housing programs, there has been a significant change in the eviction landscape across the country. A recent update to NLC’s Eviction Prevention Policy and Program Tool highlights these changes, with many Emergency Rental Assistance programs ending due to the expiration of ARPA funds (PDF) and local policies like rental registries gaining more traction across the country. With the most recent update, the tool features nearly 600 active programs and policies in 375 cities.
Some smaller cities have been able to effectively navigate shifts in federal funding by partnering with other local governments and organizations to continue providing cash assistance for renters facing eviction.
Milton, Mass. (pop. 28,630)
In Milton, Mass., private funding from the Milton Residents Fund supports one part-time social worker who coordinates rental assistance disbursements from three funds established to benefit residents of Milton. These funds were established by legacy gifts from residents, contributions from local charitable giving organizations and contributions from members of First Parish Unitarian, a partner congregation involved in coordinating and administering funding. Residents can use this financial support to prevent utility shutoff or avoid eviction from a rental unit.
Avondale, Ariz. (pop. 89,334)
The Community Action Program in Avondale, Ariz. is a partnership between municipal and county governments, local utility providers, and local nonprofit organizations. It is designed to support individuals and families at risk of housing insecurity by providing emergency rental and utility payment assistance.
In the absence of federal funding for eviction prevention, this year’s update also showed a shift toward less cost-intensive local policies like rental registries.
A rental registry is a database used by local governments to track relevant information about rental housing ownership and occupancy. Rental registries can be voluntary or mandated and often require registration fees, which in some cases are being used to support eviction prevention programs and services
Vancouver, Wash. (pop. 109,915)
In 2025, the Vancouver, Wash. implemented a flat-rate rental registration fee of $30 per unit, with exceptions for rental units that are income-restricted for households earning less than 60 percent of the Area Median Income. In addition to program administration, revenue from this fee will be used to create a tenant relocation fund, which will provide financial support to tenants forced to relocate due to health and safety concerns, landlord non-compliance or natural disasters.
What’s Next for Cities?
Addressing housing instability requires a coordinated policy and programmatic response. With federal supplemental funding expiring and many Emergency Rental Assistance Programs phasing out across the country, cities are finding that no single funding source can entirely replace federal dollars. Instead, cities are thinking creatively to fill gaps in eviction prevention funding, including private and philanthropic gifts, partnerships with other municipalities and county agencies and leveraging locally generated revenue. As the federal funding landscape continues to change, it is imperative that cities continue exploring funding and innovative solutions to prevent evictions and promote housing stability.
About the Author
Three Things to Know Video Series: September 2026
Building Multi-Functional Infrastructure for Connected, Data Driven Cities
- NLC Partnerships
From the Event: State of Cities 2026
Preparing for ROAD: Developing a Local Housing Strategy
Young Municipal Leaders: Virtual Meeting
