No waiver of immunity when non-profit sues to invalidate transfer of real property to city
City of Houston and Keith W. Wade v. Hope for Families, Inc, 01-18-00795-CV, (Tex. App – Houston [1st Dist.], Jan. 9, 2020)
This is a governmental immunity case where the First Court of Appeals held the contracting non-profit did not establish a waiver of immunity.
Hope for Families, Inc. (HFF) acquired the property for a community development project financed by the City which fell through. HFF negotiated a transfer of the property to the City in exchange for debt forgiveness. HFF later sued to invalidate the transfer alleging the City’s negotiator, Wade, committed fraud when negotiating. The City filed a plea to the jurisdiction which was denied and the City appealed.
HFF asserts “A corporation may convey real property of the corporation when authorized by appropriate resolution of the board of directors or members.” Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 22.255, which it did not do. However, that provision does not grant HFF the right to sue to invalidate a transfer and does not waive immunity. HFF also sued Wade as an individual. While Wade is immune individually (as fraud is an intentional tort), the court held HFF should have the opportunity to replead an ultra vires claim.
If you would like to read this opinion click here. Panel consists of Justices Keys, Kelly, and Goodman. Memorandum Opinion by Justice Goodman. Docket page with attorney information found here.
