Opinion ID: 1218790
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Reasons for Denial of Writ of Mandamus

Text: The Agency asserts that if we deny the requested writ, it will not have an adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, the Agency argues that this Court is required to issue the writ pursuant to I.C. § 7-303 [2] . We disagree. Petitioner has failed to prove its burden that there does not exist a plain, speedy and adequate remedy at law. The Agency has provided us no evidence or proof of a crisis or urgent situation that would require this Court to issue the writ of mandamus. [3] Rather, the Agency has simply alleged in its verified petition that if the respondents do not sign the resolution and proceed to publish notice and execute the bonds, that the urban renewal project cannot be completed, Verified Petition, § 4, and that the will of the citizens will be thwarted. Id. at § 23. A careful review of the Appendix to Verified Petition and the other documents contained in the record demonstrate no proof to support the Agency's assertion that it has no other plain, speedy or adequate remedy. We agree that this is a matter of public importance, however the applicable legal standard requires the Agency to prove that no other adequate remedy exists. The Agency has failed to meet this standard in that it merely alleged potential failure of the project without presenting any evidence in support of this conclusion. The law requires more than conclusions and allegations to warrant the issuance of a writ of mandamus. The Agency has failed to prove that a writ of mandamus is its only adequate remedy under the circumstances. The Agency's own bylaws contain provisions which enable the commissioners to appoint other individuals to perform the specified duties when the secretary or chairperson is unable or unwilling to perform such duties. In addition, there is no immediate concern of losing funding for the project. I.C. § 50-2020(b) provides in pertinent part: If a revenue allocation financing provision is adopted before January 1, 1989, such provision shall remain in full force and effect from the effective date of adoption of such provision until its termination pursuant to section 50-2028, Idaho Code. The allocation of revenues and the power granted to an urban renewal agency will terminate if the agency has not borrowed the moneys, incurred indebtedness or issued bonds before December 31, 1995. I.C. § 50-2028. This express statutory provision allows a substantial period of time during which the agency may obtain the finances necessary for executing the urban renewal plan. Thus, the Agency has available to it other adequate remedies at law and sufficient time within which to pursue those remedies. All relief requested of this Court by the Agency can be accomplished at the district court level by a declaratory judgment action or in other proceedings. The issue of the potential alter ego status of the Agency in its relationship with the city of Idaho Falls, see Boise Redevelopment Agency v. Yick Kong, 94 Idaho 876, 499 P.2d 575 (1972), and the constitutional issues raised need not be addressed because the Agency has failed to prove the threshold criteria that no other adequate remedy exists. The petition for issuance of a writ of mandamus is denied. Costs to respondents. No attorney fees on appeal. BAKES, C.J., and McDEVITT, J., concur.