Government entities have the power of eminent domain, the right to acquire private property for public use, provided that just compensation is paid to the owner. When an owner refuses to sell, the legal process used to exercise this power is called condemnation.

Accession (A): acquiring land through natural forces (e.g., accretion).

Negotiation (B): voluntary agreement, not forced.

Escheat (D): reversion of property to the state when someone dies without heirs or a will.

Because the city is taking land for a highway project, the correct answer is C: condemnation.