Published on July 03, 2024
Proposition 482 is a measure on the July 30th ballot that, if approved, will authorize the City of Maricopa to sell parcels of land that are currently owned by the city. Current law (Arizona Revised Statue 9-403) requires a special election to authorize the sale of city-owned real property valued at over $1,500,000. This authorization to sell is only the first step in the process for these parcels to be developed. If Proposition 482 passes, what happens next? If the voters approve Proposition 482, the City will evaluate each property to determine the appropriate time to extend aninvitation for bidsto the public. In the invitation for bids, the City would outline any expectations for the use of the land and bidders would submit a plan for purchasing the property. City staff would then review the proposed bids and negotiate a contract for the land sale. This contract would be presented to the City Council for final approval. During this process, residents have the ability to speak with city leaders and/or address each proposed land sale during the public comment portion of a City Council meeting. Can developers change their minds about how the land is used after they purchase it? Once purchased, land may be used at the discretion of the buyer, in compliance with City Code and any specific restrictions that may be included in the purchase contract or an associated Development Agreement. If the buyer seeks to change the existing land use (example: to convert the property from a residential use to a commercial use), the buyer must use the process established byMaricopa’s City Codeand undergo review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and formal approval by City Council, where necessary. This ensures several additional public comment opportunities where residents can voice their opinions on the proposed use of the land. Mail in ballots will arrive this week. The city encourages residents to get out and vote.