Shelley Berkley is just days away from becoming the next City of Las Vegas mayor. One of her biggest priorities … reaching an agreement on the Badlands controversy. It’s an issue that’s caused nine years of disagreements and may ultimately cost the city hundreds of millions of dollars. 

“I’ll take the hit,” the former U.S. Congresswoman and Nevada Assemblywoman told Nevada Week. “It’s not easy for any elected official to have to vote to satisfy a judgment of this magnitude. But I think it is imperative that we do so. We must.”

Developer Yohan Lowie bought the Badlands Golf Course near Queensridge in 2015 with plans to build a housing project. Community members opposed the project, and there were questions on whether the land was zoned for housing. The City of Las Vegas blocked the development. The developer complained the conflict caused the property to be taken away by the city. There’s been several lawsuits, and the city could be responsible for up to $650 million dollars if a settlement isn’t reached. Berkeley, who lives in Queensridge, says there must be an agreement before the end of the year. 

"There will be a settlement reached," she said, "because the city does not have an alternative. So I think it is very important to get this very dark episode behind us so we can move forward."

Berkley shared concerns about how much the controversy is costing taxpayers. She says the city has a number of ways to pay for these lawsuits, including using reserves, placing a hiring freeze on city jobs, and putting assets like Cashman Field up for auction. 

One of the big construction adjustments: reducing the bridge at Flamingo and Koval by 50 percent. This will allow customers easier access to the businesses in this area. Some of t

"It pains me, I don’t want to sell off any city assets, but that may happen in order to satisfy this judgment," she said.

There were no bidders for Cashman during the first auction. Berkley says the city hopes to get around $30 million for the property, and they will be looking for ways to make it more amenable to potential buyers. She talked about other ways the city is looking to cut costs, saying she’s cognizant of little things that add up to major expenses for the city.

"I was told I have a budget for furniture when I become mayor. I went up yesterday to the Mayor’s Office, and I looked at the furniture, 'This is great, we’re not replacing anything, it’s fine the way it is.' Because I also want to do my part  when it comes to the city and city finances. No need for extra expenditures."

Berkley is confident the city will rebound once the financial issues are sorted out. 

"Longterm, City of Las Vegas is hot as a pistol. All of Southern Nevada is. I think our best years are coming, and the next ten years are going to be explosive."

Mayor-elect Berkley will be sworn in on December 4.