Cave Creek council unanimously authorizes filing to seek auction of 4,005 acres of state trust land

Cave Creek — The Cave Creek Town Council on March 31 voted unanimously to authorize staff to file an application with the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) to initiate an auction for 4,005 acres of state trust land and to begin required studies, surveys and plans needed for the ASLD application process.

The action follows presentations from two ASLD assistant directors, a state parks grants consultant and town financial advisers. The motion, moved from the dais and seconded, passed on a 7–0 voice vote. Council also instructed staff to pursue a council-preferred financing option — the council discussed and favored a 25‑year revenue bond scenario — while pursuing federal grant opportunities that could supply a dollar‑for‑dollar match.

Why it matters: The acreage sits adjacent to Cave Creek and, if acquired, would expand permanently protected open space and recreation lands under local control. The ASLD manages state trust land under a trust mandate and specific legal constraints; any sale must be appraised at fair market value, reviewed by an appointed Board of Appeals and — for sales or leases longer than 10 years — offered through a public auction process.

What was presented: Karen Datta, assistant director for the Arizona State Land Department’s real estate division, provided a “State Land 101” briefing explaining the trust’s mission,…