Routledge Local Government Law: A Practical Guidebook for Public Officials on City Councils, Community Boards, and Planning Commissions

Local Government Law provides a unique resource with concise, easy-to-understand explanations of important legal issues faced by local public officials, community boards, and city councils. From the moment officials take office, they face decisions related to basic principles found in state and federal law. The same is true for those in the private sector aiming to work successfully with local governments. This practical guidebook will empower public and private representatives with a functional grasp of legal principles, with chapters explaining what a local government is, the requirement to follow due process, local land use controls, the basics of the Freedom of Information Act, and many other important subjects that regularly arise. As a practical guidebook on local government law, this book provides a basic and empowering understanding for officials and private actors in the local government arena. Review "The conduct of governance at the local level is increasingly challenging. This is so for those preparing for careers in management, planning, and law, and particularly for current practitioners – most especially elected officials. Demands on their time are extreme – thus of most importance, Professor Fisher approaches the topic of local government in practical terms. I would hope that each city, village, and township hall would have a copy of this book for reference, especially for newly elected and appointed officials." William C. Mathewson, Legal Consultant, and former General Counsel, Michigan Municipal League. Honorary Life Member, Michigan Municipal League "Local government affects people daily in ways that both enhance and limit their freedoms and wealth. But many Americans, including local officials, don’t understand what 'local' encompasses, where local government powers come from, what power citizens have in making local law, and their rights to witness and review local government decisions. Mr. Fisher’s book is an enjoyably readable and concise treatment of local government law; it should be read by all who take on the responsibilities of local elected officials and members of local boards and agencies." Joseph DiMento, Distinguished Professor of Law, University of California, Irvine "It’s common to think that being elected to local office, or being a local official, doesn’t require any special understanding of local government – either the laws it works with or the procedures it must follow. That’s just not true. This guidebook, organized and written for local officials themselves, will be an invaluable aid to both new and experienced local officials alike, as well as to students of local government." Richard K. Norton, Ph.D., J.D., Professor, Urban and Regional Planning Program, Program in the Environment, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan "The law is often hard to understand, but this guidebook provides the reader with a fundamental understanding of how it works for local officials. This work not only provides an up to date look at the law, but also the history of how it came to be. Understanding where we have been, helps us know where we are and where we are going." Christopher Johnson, General Counsel for the Michigan Municipal League "The book will be of great value to persons considering running for office, or desiring to be appointed to various boards or commissions. However, it may have the greatest value to newly elected members of the governing body or persons on boards appointed by elected officials. It will also be useful for young local government professionals who have been trained in a particular discipline (like engineering, accounting, law enforcement, planning, or law), but have not yet been exposed to all aspects of local government operations." Mark A. Wyckoff, FAICP. Fellow, American Institute of Certified Planners. Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University. Editor, Planning and Zoning News "Gerald A. Fisher has been