36th District Court makes case for $1.8M budget boost

March 30, 2026

Detroit's 36th District Court Chief Judge William McConico has requested an additional $1. 8 million in funding from the city to address critical staffing shortages and operational needs. The civil division has experienced a surge of nearly 40,000 additional cases over three years, primarily involving credit card lawsuits and vehicle foreclosures, creating a system that McConico describes as "crashing" due to insufficient staff to process the paperwork.

Who is affected

73 court employees (including 43 Detroit residents) earning below living wage
Detroit residents being sued by credit card companies and facing vehicle foreclosures
Six case managers in the specialty court program working over maximum capacity
Individuals unable to access specialty court services due to the program's "pause mode"
People with drug treatment, mental health needs, veterans, and women involved in sex trafficking or exploitation seeking specialty court services
Tenants in eviction cases benefiting from the Right to Counsel program
Residents with outstanding court cases and late fees

What action is being taken

Chief Judge McConico is lobbying Detroit City Council for a $1.8 million budget increase
The specialty court division has gone into "pause mode" due to funding uncertainty
The court is offering an amnesty program (through April 2) that waives late fees and penalties for cases with final rulings
The court plans to apply for two major federal grants in April for the specialty court program
The city of Detroit's Right to Counsel program is providing legal representation for tenants in eviction cases

Why it matters

This budget request highlights a critical access-to-justice issue in one of the nation's busiest district courts. The 40,000-case surge in the civil division, coupled with insufficient staffing, means Detroit residents may face delays or inadequate processing of legal matters that directly impact their financial security and property. The specialty court's forced pause particularly affects vulnerable populations who depend on these alternative programs for drug treatment, mental health services, and escape from exploitation—services that can be life-changing and reduce recidivism. Additionally, the wage issue affects workforce stability and retention at the court, while the broader funding shortfall reflects how inflationary pressures and increased demand are straining judicial systems that serve low-income communities.

What's next

The court plans to apply for two major federal grants in April to address the specialty court funding gap
If the court receives the grant money, Detroit City Council will be notified and the requested $500,000 for specialty courts won't be used
The amnesty program for outstanding fines and fees continues through Thursday, April 2
Detroit City Council will make a decision on the $1.8 million budget increase request for the 2026-27 fiscal year

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com