Tacoma City Council member and Deputy Mayor Kiara Daniels has filed a lawsuit against a local nonprofit founder, alleging a breach of their real estate development partnership. The civil complaint, filed in Pierce County Superior Court, centers on a planned apartment building in South Tacoma and seeks to dissolve their joint business venture.
The lawsuit claims that Noemi Cagatin-Porter, founder of the affordable-housing nonprofit CJK Community Homes, reneged on an agreement to co-develop the property, putting the project and Daniels' financial contributions at risk.
Key Takeaways
- Tacoma Council member Kiara Daniels is suing her business partner, Noemi Cagatin-Porter, over a real estate dispute.
- The lawsuit alleges Cagatin-Porter backed out of a 50-50 partnership to develop a multi-unit apartment building.
- Daniels claims to have invested over $56,000 and nearly a year of work into the project.
- The legal action seeks to dissolve the partnership, liquidate assets, and prevent the partner from proceeding with the development alone.
Details of the Legal Dispute
The lawsuit, filed on November 6, 2025, outlines a partnership allegedly formed to develop a residential housing project at 3901 S. 69th St. in Tacoma. According to the court documents, Daniels and Cagatin-Porter agreed to a 50-50 partnership, with the goal of developing the property and sharing in the profits after all expenses were reimbursed.
To formalize their collaboration, the two established a limited liability partnership named Impact Development Group, LLP, in July 2024. This entity is registered with the Washington Secretary of State and lists Daniels as a co-founder.
The complaint details a division of contributions. Cagatin-Porter reportedly provided the real estate for the project, which was purchased in 2018 by CJK Legacy Investments, LLC, an entity she owns. The property was later transferred to CJK Community Homes.
For her part, Daniels states she contributed significant financial resources and labor. The lawsuit specifies an investment of $56,500 and nearly a full year dedicated to advancing the project, including securing financing, developing plans, and navigating the permitting process.
Project by the Numbers
- $56,500: Financial contribution allegedly made by Kiara Daniels.
- $155,000: A predevelopment loan secured by a deed made to the partnership, Impact Development Group.
- 50-50: The alleged profit-sharing structure of the partnership.
- 1 Year: The approximate amount of time Daniels claims to have worked on the development.
The Partnership Breakdown
The business relationship reportedly soured earlier this year. According to the lawsuit, Daniels learned in May 2025 that Cagatin-Porter intended to "refute the existence of the partnership relationship." This alleged reversal has brought the project to a standstill.
The filing claims that after attempts to negotiate a resolution with legal counsel failed, the parties reached an impasse. With permits nearly complete and construction on the horizon, the project is now in limbo.
The lawsuit states, "Daniels has no way to control the development process, nor can she access complete partnership records." This deadlock prompted the legal action to seek a court-ordered resolution.
"Cagatin-Porter breached her duties by her conduct and refusal to honor the partnership, provide access to records of the partnership and otherwise thwarted the purpose of the partnership," the suit alleges.
Both parties involved have remained tight-lipped about the ongoing legal matter.
In a statement, Daniels, who is concluding her single term as an at-large council member for District 6 after not seeking reelection, said she could not comment on specifics. "Because this matter is currently in litigation, I’ve been advised not to comment on specific details," Daniels stated. "I’d like the filing to speak for itself, and I look forward to a fair resolution."
Similarly, Cagatin-Porter indicated she had been advised by her attorney not to comment on the allegations made in the lawsuit.
Who Are the Parties Involved?
Kiara Daniels is the current Deputy Mayor of Tacoma and a City Council member representing District 6. She has served one term and did not run for reelection this month.
Noemi Cagatin-Porter is the founder of CJK Community Homes, a nonprofit organization focused on affordable housing. She also owns CJK Legacy Investments, LLC, the entity that initially purchased the property in question.
What the Lawsuit Seeks
Daniels is asking the Pierce County Superior Court to intervene and formally dissolve the partnership. The primary requests outlined in the complaint are comprehensive and aim to untangle the business relationship while protecting her alleged investment.
The legal requests include:
- Dissolution of the Partnership: A formal, court-ordered end to Impact Development Group, LLP.
- Liquidation of Assets: The conversion of all partnership assets into cash.
- Sale of Property: An order for the sale of the real estate at 3901 S. 69th St. and any other properties deemed assets of the partnership.
- Injunction: The suit asks for an injunction to prevent Cagatin-Porter from transferring, disposing of, or developing the property independently while the case is pending. This is based on alleged threats that she might complete the project in a manner "inconsistent with the rights of the partners."
- Damages and Legal Fees: Daniels is also seeking unspecified damages and the recovery of all legal fees associated with the lawsuit.
The complaint names Cagatin-Porter as the primary defendant, along with her associated entities, CJK Legacy Investments and CJK Community Homes. The partnership itself, Impact Development Group, is also named as a defendant in the civil action.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of the South Tacoma property, which was intended to become a multi-unit residential building. As the legal process unfolds, the development remains stalled, awaiting a judicial decision on the fate of the fractured partnership.
