Municipal Law

Under increasing pressure posed by state and federal government mandates and insufficient available funding, cities and public agencies must balance budgets, manage competing interests and serve their constituencies. Meeting all these needs requires a high level of regulatory and legal knowledge and experience, as well as public relations and political finesse.

Over 465 cities, counties, housing authorities, successor agencies and joint powers authorities rely on Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) for comprehensive, cost-effective counsel. BBK attorneys help clients successfully maneuver through legal complexities and governmental directives, enabling them to focus on providing superior service to their communities. 

Comprehensive, Cost-Effective Service 
BBK Municipal Law attorneys advise on all matters involving city services, operations, administration and regulation. These include:

City Attorney Services

• Brown Act/open meetings law compliance
• Charters and Internal Organizations
• Code Enforcement & Receiverships
• Conflicts of Interest
• Elections and Redistricting Issues
• Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs)
• Open Government & Ethics
• Public Records Act 
• Records Retention and Destruction
• Subpoenas 

Public Finance

• Debt Issuance
• Grant Writing and Funding Assistance
• Fees, Taxes & Assessments
• Public-Private Partnerships

Government Affairs

Labor & Employment

• Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Public Contracts, Public Works, Utilities & Infrastructure

• Business Licensing & Franchising 
• Renewable Energy 
• Solid Waste Management
• Telecommunications
• Transportation 
• Water 

Police & Public Safety

Planning, Development & Real Estate Issues

• Economic Development, Real Estate & Affordable Housing 
• Environmental Law & Natural Resources
• Land Use, Planning & Zoning
• Real Estate Acquisition, Transactions and Construction Issues
• Williamson Act

Advocacy and Litigation
Unlike other firms, which focus on either lobby and advocacy or city services guidance, BBK has extensive experience assisting clients in both areas. Working closely with our Government Affairs and Litigation teams, we advocate for clients before legislative and regulatory bodies, and assert and defend their interests in courts at all levels. This integrated approach enables clients to rely on just one firm to meet all of their city services and advocacy needs.