Goodman v. City of Tucson (Prop 207 case)

Submitted by rhino on March 12, 2009

Case Background:

Mike Goodman is a Tucson businessman who buys run-down properties in the downtown area and near the UofA, demolishes them, and rebuilds upscale housing. His developments increase property values and help meet the shortage of student housing. It is a model of infill development.

But the City of Tucson enacted local demolition amendments that subject property owners to vague, subjective standards that instantly reduced property values. At the end of the process, the City is authorized to sell the owner's property if it chooses. Under Prop 207, the Private Property Rights Protection Act, governments are required to compensate property owners when new laws or regulations diminish property values.

The Goldwater Institute is representing Goodman in Pima County Superior Court. We are asking for a declaration that the demolition amendments violate Goodman's due process rights, an injunction prohibiting the enforcement of the demolition amendments, and compensation for the diminution of Goodman's property values.

The Stakes:

The compensation of property owners who are subjected to Tucson's demolition amendments.
The affirmation of Prop 207.
The protection of property rights for Arizonans.
Property regulation by clear, objectively enforceable, and fair standards.

Case Documents:

Case Timeline:

March 11, 2008: Complaint filed in Pima County Superior Court.
February 23, 2009: Response to Motion to Dismiss for Mootness filed.
April 6, 2009: 9:40 am, hearing before Hon. Paul Tang in Pima County Superior Court, 110 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona, Courtroom 472
June 17, 2009: Second Response to Motion to Dismiss for Mootness filed.
August 31, 2009: Hearing before Hon. Paul Tang at 3 P.M. in Pima County Superior Court, 110 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona.
November 4, 2009: Judge rules in favor of Mike Goodman