What We Do

Supporting Real Estate Operations and Legal Readiness

Administrative staff coordinate core office functions, manage internal workflows, and assist with documentation that supports legal and compliance requirements. They are often the first point of contact for inquiries and public records coordination.

Key Responsibilities:

• Track acquisition and disposition projects across sections
• Schedule and coordinate historical and archaeological assessments
• Maintain internal databases and documentation
• Support legal document preparation and trial exhibits for condemnation cases

Contact Melody Lawson, Administrative Assistant, at (520) 837-6842

Establishing Fair Market Value for City-Owned Property

The Appraisal team is the starting point for most City real estate transactions. Their role is to determine the fair market value of property, whether the City is preparing to acquire, lease, or sell it. Accurate appraisal ensures transparency, fiscal responsibility, and legal compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct appraisals of City-owned property for sale, lease, or internal project use
• Coordinate third-party appraisal services as needed
• Provide valuation data to support negotiations, legal actions, or budget planning
• Collaborate with other Real Estate sections to establish value parameters before disposition or acquisition

For assistance or appraisal coordination, contact the Real Estate Division at (520) 791-4181

Leading Property Transactions and Specialized Use Agreements

The Negotiations section manages direct interactions with property owners, developers, and agencies. This team plays a critical role in facilitating real estate exchanges, navigating sensitive projects, and supporting legal due diligence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Negotiate the sale or exchange of City-owned property
• Coordinate with the Historic Preservation Office on archaeological and historic site reviews
• Manage telecommunications leasing and facility placement on City property
• Support condemnation and eminent domain actions when authorized
• Serve as liaisons to private-sector consultants and developers

 For negotiation-related inquiries, contact the Real Estate Division at (520) 791-4181

Processing Easements, Dedications, and Escrow

RES staff oversee many of the technical and legal components of real estate transactions. They facilitate the transfer of ownership, rights-of-way, and access across public and private parties. Led by Jim Stoyanoff, a retired City of Tucson employee, this work is carried out by the full team of agents, who are assigned tasks based on availability and expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage right-of-way and easement acquisitions for rezoning or development
• Process abandonments, vacations, and dedications of public easements
• Oversee escrow work, including title research, legal document preparation, and recordation
• Ensure proper documentation for compliance and legal review

Download the Real Estate Services Information and Application Form(PDF, 17KB)

For RES-related inquiries, contact Jim Stoyanoff at (520) 837-6837

Managing Sensitive Projects and Department-Specific Acquisitions

The Special Projects team leads strategic or politically sensitive land transactions. These projects often involve multiple City departments, regional governments, or state and federal agencies. This section ensures complex transactions align with community and interagency goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate land deals for Parks and Recreation, Economic Initiatives, and Housing & Community Development
• Represent the City in intergovernmental land negotiations
• Manage high-impact, one-time acquisitions or sales

Contact Ryan Tripp, Special Projects Manager, at (520) 837-6715

Administering Leases, Easements, and Spatial Property Data

This section handles long-term management of real estate assets, utility agreements, and property access. They are also responsible for maintaining the division’s mapping and data systems, which help support internal planning, compliance, and transparency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer leases for wireless facilities and State Land easements
• Process Rights of Entry, Utility Service Agreements, and Temporary Revocable Easements (TREs)
• Track and collect payments for rental properties and contracts
• Maintain the Real Property Database and web-based GIS mapping system
• Respond to special GIS mapping or data requests

Download the Application for Temporary Revocable Easement (TRE) Form(PDF, 20KB)

Contact Tiana Clark, Real Estate Program Supervisor, at (520) 837-6815

Email: Real.Estate@tucsonaz.gov | Phone: (520) 791-4181 |

Mailing Address: City of Tucson - Real Estate Division | PO Box 27210 | Tucson, Arizona 85726-7210