Topic - Governance, Legislation & Law Archive

Fresno’s Planning Process Builds Trust

Communities use planning to make choices about the future. But the process can be as important as the final plan itself and provide a foundation for future efforts around local issues and concerns.

By Jennifer Armer and Steve Sanders

Neglecting Annexation and Incorporation Will Not Serve the State’s Growth Goals

State policies for achieving sustainability have staked much on the success of cities. Yet the state’s recent actions signal a lack of appreciation for the vital function cities serve as centers of commerce and providers of essential quality of-life services for the vast majority of California’s population.

By Kirstin Kolpitcke and Dan Carrigg

Making Drug Dealers Pay For Law Enforcement

Cities are increasingly using civil actions rather than criminal prosecution to curb illegal drug sales within their borders. Often such actions are taken either under general nuisance laws or the California Drug Abatement Act. However, the California Unfair Competition Law has also been used effectively to curb drug sales and close down businesses where drugs are sold.

By Brian I. Hamblet

Public Agency Attorney Ethics

Attorneys must meet a number of requirements (including ethics requirements) to be able to practice law in California. But what happens when public agency attorneys are pressured to justify unlawful actions?

League Leadership Sets Strategic Path For 2013

More than 100 city officials worked together to develop the League’s strategic goals for 2013, which include building partnerships, continuing pension reform, expanding community and economic development tools, and implementing effective branding.

By Chris McKenzie

Helping Mayors and Council Members Take Leadership to the Next Level

The League provides a wide range of resources to help local elected officials build their capacity to better serve their residents.

By Eva Spiegel

In Case We Haven’t Met: ILG Provides Tools and Resources for Local Leaders

The ILG website offers a broad array of tools for newly elected local officials and their staff as well as seasoned officials.

2012 Legislative Year In Review

While the past few years have presented major challenges for cities, the events of 2012 included some bright spots as well. This article presents an overview of the year’s legislative developments and the League’s achievements. It also poses some questions to keep in mind as the new session begins.

By Dan Carrigg

Filarsky v. Delia: An Unqualified Win For Qualified Immunity

The doctrine of qualified immunity protects government defendants from liability as long as their conduct did not violate clearly established law. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled on the issue of whether private contractors also enjoy qualified immunity, which has a potentially significant impact on all cities.

By Kent J. Bullard

Blind Spots: Money, Public Service and the Ethical Hazards of Self-Interest

Recent media coverage of public officials’ ethical lapses raises questions about the underlying causes of such behavior. This column explores why people make poor choices and the roles that rationalizing and denial play in the decision-making process.