In an amended complaint filed in federal court in Florida, the City of Miami Gardens renewed its allegations that Wells Fargo Bank violated the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) by steering minority applicants to more expensive loans than they otherwise qualified for, resulting in a blight of foreclosures and costs to the city.  CCL is part of the city’s legal team in litigating the matter.

The case, originally filed more than a year ago, was stayed by U.S. District Court Judge Federico Moreno, while similar cases brought by the City of Miami was heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Earlier this month, that court revived Miami’s lawsuits against Wells Fargo, as well as Bank of America and Citigroup, which had been dismissed by another district court judge, largely on grounds that the city lacked standing to prosecute FHA claims. CCL President Robert S. Peck argued the three successful appeals on behalf of Miami.

Miami Gardens’ new complaint also incorporates guidance received in June from the U.S. Supreme Court on the requirements for claims based on disparate impact under the FHA.