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Tucson council approves $2 million settlement and waiver in Goodman litigation
Summary
The council approved a settlement in Goodman v. City of Tucson that includes a binding waiver of enforcement of the city's group-dwelling ordinance for the properties at issue and a $2,000,000 payment for a full release and dismissal. Council approved the settlement by motion following executive-session direction.
The Tucson Mayor and Council on Sept. 9 voted to settle Goodman v. City of Tucson (Pima County Superior Court C20194826) by offering the plaintiff a binding waiver of enforcement of the city's group-dwelling ordinance for the Goodman properties and paying $2,000,000 in exchange for a full release and dismissal of claims.
City Attorney staff presented the proposed settlement during the study session after executive-session discussion. Staff asked the council to authorize two discrete actions: (1) provide the plaintiff a binding waiver of enforcement of the city's group-dwelling ordinance as to the Goodman properties that are the subject of the filed lawsuit, and (2) pay $2,000,000 in exchange for a full release and dismissal of the lawsuit. The council moved and seconded the proposal and approved it by voice vote ('Motion carries').
Why it matters: The settlement resolves pending litigation over land-use regulations (application of group-dwelling ordinance), transfers a financial liability to the general fund and resolves the legal uncertainty for the city and the property owners. Staff indicated the settlement components mirror prior negotiation objectives discussed in executive session.
Next steps: Staff will take actions necessary to implement the settlement terms, including drafting and executing release documents and any required recorded instruments. Any related administrative changes (e.g., clarifications to land-use enforcement on affected parcels) will be handled through normal staff processes.
Vote and record: The motion to approve the settlement was made, seconded, and passed by voice vote; transcript records "Motion carries."
