Eugene Tests Peer Navigation Pilot After CAHOOTS Exit

The city launches a new program to fill service gaps following the April 2025 closure of the long-standing CAHOOTS model.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Financial Planning

Isometric editorial illustration of a metal key on a concrete plinth, representing civic service navigation and resource access. — Eugene officials have launched a peer navigation pilot program to address service gaps and rising arrest rates following the closure of CAHOOTS. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local governments prioritize civilian-led teams over police for non-emergency welfare checks?

University of Oregon researchers report that Eugene faces increased arrest rates and service gaps after CAHOOTS stopped operating in April 2025. In response, the city has launched a peer navigation pilot program to manage welfare checks and non-emergency calls.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that the loss of CAHOOTS removed a critical layer of community support that previously prevented low-level concerns from escalating into police interactions. This pilot aims to determine if specialized navigation services can effectively reduce the current strain on law enforcement.

The pilot program involves a $250,000 contract to support 250 clients, who have successfully completed 728 goals since January 2026. The city has allocated a total of $500,000 for alternative response programming to address the service deficit.

The players

University of Oregon

This public research university is located in Eugene and conducts studies on regional social and economic policy issues.

Eugene Police Department

This agency provides law enforcement services for the city and has reported increased staff time requirements for welfare checks.

Ideal Option

This organization operates a peer navigation pilot program designed to manage non-emergency support and welfare check services.

CAHOOTS

This organization provided mobile crisis services in Eugene for 36 years before ceasing operations due to financial issues.

The details

Ideal Option peer navigators work to coordinate access to housing, medical care, and judicial support for residents. Researchers found that arrest rates rose following the CAHOOTS exit, as the Eugene Police Department now devotes significantly more staff time to calls that were once diverted to crisis workers.

CAHOOTS stopped operating in Eugene in April 2025.
Ideal Option began a peer navigation program in downtown Eugene in January 2026.
The City of Eugene selected Ideal Option for a pilot program in April 2026.

Market Dynamics

The transition marks a structural shift in how the city manages public welfare responsibilities following the 36-year operational legacy of CAHOOTS. This move signals a pivot toward new provider models as Eugene re-evaluates the distribution of service resources.

Residents may see changes in how welfare checks are handled, as navigators shift focus toward housing and medical support. The success of this pilot could influence future municipal budget allocations and the long-term approach to local social service funding.

The takeaway

The city's reliance on peer navigation programs highlights the importance of filling gaps left by traditional crisis response services. Residents should monitor the city's progress reports to understand how these alternative support models impact community safety and budget priorities.

What happens next

The City of Eugene will collect data throughout the yearlong pilot program to determine if additional investment is required beyond the initial $500,000 allocation.