A year ago, the Phoenix real-estate broker filled a vacancy on the City Council, reclaiming the seat he held a decade earlier. Ever since, he's championed moving the planned Loop 202 extension south, from Ahwatukee Foothills to the Gila River Reservation.

To supporters, DiCiccio is working to find the best outcome for his Phoenix constituents. Opponents say his development deals along the freeway blur personal and public matters and represent a conflict of interest.

The Arizona Republic took a closer look at DiCiccio's possible stake in the planned 22-mile freeway, examining city financial forms and court records, plus letters, e-mails and other documents obtained under a public-records request. The picture that emerged shows that DiCiccio: