A judge in Seattle, Washington, said Mayor Mike McGinn can reorganize the Indian Services Commission, an urban Indian organization.

The commission sued when McGinn removed two members of the board and appointed a board chairman. The judge said the mayor was within his authority to do so.

Rival groups have battled for control of the commission, which owns two buildings in downtown Seattle that were appraised at $18 million. McGinn has been accused of a land grab by some urban Indians.

The city wants to transfer title to the buildings to the Seattle Indian Health Board, a move opposed by some urban Indians. The board rents space from the Indian Services Commission.

Another tenant is the Seattle Indian Center, which reportedly owes back rent.

Get the Story:
Judge backs mayor on changes at Indian Services Commission (The Seattle Times 11/21)
City intervenes in troubled Seattle Indian Service Commission (The Seattle Times 10/5)