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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. As a practical guidebook, this book provides a basic and empowering understanding for officials and private actors in local government.
List of contents
1. Just What Is a “Local Government?” 2. Open Meetings Requirement 3. Procedural Rules for Meetings 4. Public Access to Government Records 5. Federal Constitutional Limits on Local Governments 6. Law-Making Powers of Voters 7. Fair Housing 8. Financing Local Government 9. Background and Importance of Zoning 10. Non-Zoning Land Use Controls 11. Interlocal Agreements 12. Eminent Domain and Regulatory Takings 13. Meet the Court System and Local Attorney 14. Avoiding Personal Liability
About the author
Gerald A. Fisher practiced local government law for 20 years at a mid-sized law firm in southeast Michigan, representing cities, villages, and townships, and serving as a senior partner and manager of a large municipal practice group. He then taught for 15 years as a full-time professor at WMU Cooley Law School, teaching property law, constitutional law, and state and local government law. Mr. Fisher is the contributing co-editor of a text entitled Michigan Municipal Law, and co-author of a text entitled Michigan Zoning, Planning, and Land Use Law. He has appeared in many state and local government cases in the Michigan Supreme Court, and has been a long-term member of the Council, and past chairperson, of the State Bar of Michigan Government Law Section. He continues to serve as a legal consultant for local governments, and as a mediator in local government disputes. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America in land use and zoning, and in 2001 was named a Lawyer of the Year in Michigan by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. He recently completed 10 years of services as chairperson of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, and is a board member for Scenic Michigan.
Summary
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. As a practical guidebook, this book provides a basic and empowering understanding for officials and private actors in local government.
