Legal Alerts Apr 08, 2021
California Small Cell Bill to Severely Limit Local Government Control of Street Lights and Traffic Signal Poles
Oppose SB 556: Hearing Set for April 19
Severe budget cuts, the end of earmarked funding and a significant decrease in government funding opportunities have made effective legislative, regulatory and policy advocacy critical for those competing for resources.
As public and private entities attempt to operate in this new environment, Best Best & Krieger LLP is helping them navigate the challenges, influence policy and get their voices heard and respected.
An Unrivaled Team
Recognizing that public policy matters involve a complex mix of legal, legislative and regulatory considerations, often at multiple levels of government, BB&K’s Government Relations team is structured as a multi-disciplinary, bi-partisan group. We bring together legislative advocates, policy advisors, subject matter-focused attorneys and litigators who skillfully manage the interplay of laws, policies, regulations, economic circumstances and competing interests to promote and protect our clients’ position. Our model enables clients to rely on one integrated team to devise creative solutions and move their issues through Congress, federal and state agencies and the legal system. Further, it assures that we have all the bases covered.
Team members have held high-ranking positions in the White House, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, at the Federal Communications Commission and at the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as in state government, industry trade and local government advocacy organizations, and in the private sector. We see both sides of issues, readily identify hurdles and overcome them. With decades of experience, longstanding relationships with government leaders and a deep knowledge across many disciplines, including politics, government, business, law and science, BB&K’s Government Relations professionals are respected and highly effective. This holds true even in heavily regulated areas such as telecommunications, water and environmental and natural resources matters generally — all areas where we have extensive experience.
Our Services
BB&K’s Government Relations team synthesizes, distills and presents our clients’ positions on complex public policy issues to decision makers. We devise innovative funding techniques and help clients develop actionable goals and implement strategic legislative action plans. Additionally, we assist clients by:
- Enhancing client relationships with federal and state officials, staff and administrators
- Advising on the development of legislative positions and priorities
- Protecting clients’ interests potentially affected by changing laws, regulations and policies
- Identifying projects and programs eligible for federal or state funding, assisting in securing funds and grants and facilitating the process
- Communicating and advocating our clients’ interests to elected representatives, key committee members, agencies and other individuals, as needed, garnering their support and resolving conflicts, issues and concerns
- Monitoring and analyzing existing and proposed legislative and regulatory actions, policies, programs and initiatives throughout their development and implementation
- Advising on and representing clients at legislative, executive branch, regulatory meetings and hearings and preparing clients to testify
- Handling strategic communications with those in government, the media and the public
As a nationally recognized leader on water issues and environmental and natural resources issues generally, BB&K has worked on all of the major national environmental legislation, successfully advocated for new laws and obtained unprecedented funding for client projects.
Notable Accomplishments
BB&K’s Government Relations professionals’ achievements for clients include:
- Helped secure $500,000 in federal funding for water reclamation and reuse projects and studies for the Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority's Pure Water Project.
- The only amendment ever to the Federal Clean Water Act for a public agency in Texas, resulting in significant reduction of toxic emissions at a lower cost
- $40 million for Title XVI water reclamation for a Northern California city
- $100 million appropriations for rural water supply in South Dakota
- $100 million grant for Los Angeles agencies to construct secondary treatment facilities and comply with court and regulatory orders
- $7.6 million to fund airport project in South Texas
- $61.6 million from the General Services Administration to be invested in two Texas ports of entry to ease traffic and congestion
- Secured one of the nation’s largest BTOP telecom grants worth $7.5 million
- Procured more than $7 million to fund various public safety projects
Legal Alerts Mar 11, 2021
COVID-19 Relief Package Provides Substantial Aid to States, Counties and Cities
$1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Federal Relief Package – American Rescue Plan Act
Press Releases Feb 03, 2021
BB&K Office Makes Sacramento Top 10 Law Firm
Sacramento Business Journal’s Annual Law Firm Rankings
Press Releases Sep 15, 2020
BB&K Receives High Ranks for Law Firm Diversity
Firm Leadership Renews Commitment to Supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Legal Alerts Jun 05, 2020
EPA Issues Final Rule to Narrow Scope and Timelines for State Water Quality Certifications
Changes to Clean Water Act Section 401 Certifications
BB&K Webinar Jun 03, 2020
Leveraging CDBG-CV and Other Federal Funding Grant Opportunities for COVID-19 Response
BB&K Free Webinar
Press Releases May 04, 2020
Two BB&K Attorneys Among JD Supra Top Authors List
Housing Webinar by Partners Ruben Duran and Michael Maurer Among Most Popular Posts
Legal Alerts Apr 23, 2020
Fourth COVID-19 Federal Relief Package
Paycheck Protection Program, Small Business Administration Disaster Loans and Health Care Funding
BB&K Webinar Apr 22, 2020
Part Two: Leveraging FEMA and Other Federal Grant Funding Opportunities for COVID-19 Response
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Apr 20, 2020
Final Rule Narrowing Clean Water Act Jurisdiction to be Published Tomorrow
EPA and Army Corps of Engineers New “Waters of the U.S.” Definition Takes Effect on June 22*
BB&K Webinar Apr 07, 2020
Leveraging FEMA and Other Federal Grant Funding Opportunities for COVID-19 Response
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Mar 27, 2020
Third Federal Funding Bill Provides $2.2 Trillion for COVID-19 Impacts
The Legislation’s Key Provisions for Public Agencies and Local Governments
Legal Alerts Mar 17, 2020
Three Federal Actions to Address COVID-19
How These New Measures Impact Businesses, Public Agencies and Employees
Legal Alerts Mar 10, 2020
The EPA’s National Water Reuse Action Plan
Joint Plan Aims to Meet Rising Water Demands
Client Successes Feb 11, 2020
BB&K Team Helps Secure $325 Million in Border Water Projects
USMCA and Federal Funds to Address Pollution Problem
Press Releases Feb 06, 2020
BB&K Sacramento Office Earns High Ranking
Sacramento Business Journal’s Annual Law Firm Survey
Legal Alerts Feb 03, 2020
Senate Bill 50 Dies in the Senate: Now What?
The “4-Plex Bill” Meant to Address the Housing Crisis Couldn’t Muster Enough Support
Press Releases Jan 17, 2020
BB&K Partner Andre Monette Testifies Before U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on FISH Act
Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4723
Videos Oct 10, 2019
[WEBINAR] Navigating California’s New Regulations for Wetlands and State Waters
BB&K Webinar
Legal Alerts Sep 03, 2019
California Issues the Nation’s Strictest Notice Levels for PFAS in Drinking Water
New Response Thresholds and Regulations in the Works for Public Water Suppliers
Videos Jul 29, 2019
[WEBINAR] Innovative Partnerships to Overcome Housing Challenges in Communities
BB&K Webinar
Videos Jul 12, 2019
[WEBINAR] Focusing on the “US” in HoUSing: Merging Housing, Transportation, Incentives and Community
BB&K Webinar
Press Releases Jul 08, 2019
BB&K Ranked No. 202 on NLJ Largest Law Firms
Growth Attributed to a Niche Public Law Focus and Great Results
Event Jun 20, 2019
2019 California Water Law & Policy MCLE Conference
Argent Communications Group
Press Releases May 13, 2019
BB&K One of 200 Largest Law Firms in the U.S.
Law360 Annual Ranking Reflects Firm’s Continued Recent Growth
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 30, 2019
"California Water," Third Edition
Eric Garner’s Updates to Text on Historical, Legal and Policy Issues Affecting California Water Use
Event Mar 30, 2019
IMLA 2019 Mid-Year Seminar
International Municipal Lawyers Association
BB&K In the News Feb 27, 2019
American Lawyer Discusses BB&K Growth Last Year
Firm Expands to Meet Client Demand
Press Releases Jan 30, 2019
BB&K a Top 10 Law Firm in Sacramento
Sacramento Business Journal’s 2019 List of Largest Area Law Firms
Press Releases Dec 19, 2018
Cities’ Struggles to Meet Obligations Are Real — BB&K Municipal Law Team Grows to Help
New and Expanded Services and More Attorneys and Staff Added in 2018
Press Releases Dec 17, 2018
BB&K Welcomes Water and Environmental Partner Lowry Crook
Served Senior Positions with the Army Corps of Engineers and the White House
Client Successes Dec 14, 2018
Government Relations Team Gets Passage of Federal Legislation for Local Agency
John Freshman and Ana D. Schwab Advocated on Behalf of RCRCD
Press Releases Oct 01, 2018
BB&K Attorney Todd Leishman Testifies Before Congress on Sober Living Home Regulations
Expresses Need for Local Regulation of Recovery Businesses
Legal Alerts Sep 12, 2018
Proposed FCC Actions Will Limit Local Control and Cut Revenues
Immediate Action Needed — Community Coalition Forming
Legal Alerts Jul 26, 2018
Federal Draft Infrastructure Bill Released
Aims to Provide Revenue to Repair Failing Infrastructure
Event Jun 21, 2018
2018 Small Cells Symposium
Maryland Association of Counties
Event Jun 13, 2018
Water Projects: How to Successfully Navigate a Growing But Complicated Process
American Water Works Association
Event Jun 11, 2018
California Water Law & Policy Conference
Argent Communications Group
May 15, 2018
[WEBINAR] Automated Vehicle Pilot Project Risks and Smart Infrastructure
BB&K Webinar
Press Releases May 01, 2018
BB&K Partner Joseph Van Eaton Recognized by Super Lawyers D.C.
Telecommunications Law Veteran Again Earns Spot on Prestigious List
Videos Apr 24, 2018
Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment – The Complex Puzzle of Funding Our Future
The Bill is Due: Now What? Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment
Videos Apr 24, 2018
Is the Road Forward Even a Road? Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation
The Bill is Due: Now What? Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment
Authored Articles & Publications Mar 16, 2018
Roads of the Future Today
BB&K Attorney Gregory Rodriguez Writes on the Latest Legal and Regulatory Considerations for Autonomous Vehicles in PublicCEO
Event Mar 03, 2018
2018 NACo Legislative Conference
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 22, 2018
Dockless Disruption: Maximizing Opportunities Through Smart Regulations
BB&K's Gregory Rodriguez and Steven DeBaun Discuss Bikeshare Issues in PublicCEO
Press Releases Feb 14, 2018
Sacramento Business Journal Top Law Firms 2018
BB&K Moves Up Higher on List of Area’s Largest Firms
Legal Alerts Feb 12, 2018
Federal Infrastructure Outline Released
Details Local Agencies Need are Included
Legal Alerts Jan 31, 2018
A Peek Inside the Trump Infrastructure Plan: What Local Government Agencies Should Know
The State of the Union Address and a Leaked Memo Give the Insight We’ve Been Waiting For
Legal Alerts Jan 30, 2018
Red Flags on Wireless: A Recent Resignation Signals Industry-Weighted Regulations Ahead
Local Governments Should Speak Up Now for Local Control
Event Jan 17, 2018
An Update on Federal Policy Changes Impacting Mid-Pacific Water Users
Mid-Pacific Region Water Users’ Conference
Legal Alerts Nov 02, 2017
Tax Bill Impacts
Immediate, Critical Impacts on State and Local Governments
Nov 01, 2017
[WEBINAR] Tax Reform: What D.C.'s Actions Could Mean for Public Agencies
BB&K Webinar
BB&K Event Nov 01, 2017
Tax Reform: What D.C.'s Actions Could Mean for Public Agencies
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Oct 31, 2017
Drones: A Legal and Regulatory Update
Recent White House and Federal Court Action Impacting Future UAS Regulations
Legal Alerts Oct 16, 2017
SB 649 Small Cell Bill Vetoed by California Governor
Victory for Local Governments
Sep 20, 2017
[WEBINAR] Cell Tower and Small Cell Law: A Regulatory and Transactional Primer
BB&K Municipal Law Webinar Series
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 19, 2017
Automated Vehicle Regulatory Challenges: Avoiding Legal Potholes Through Collaboration
Gregory Rodriguez's Article to Supplement his LCC Conference Presentation
Legal Alerts Sep 19, 2017
SB 649 Barely Passes Out of California Legislature
Governor has Until Oct. 15 to Veto Controversial Small Cell Bill
Client Successes Aug 14, 2017
RCTC Secures TIFIA Funds for Important Highway Infrastructure Project
BB&K Advised on $152.2 Million TIFIA Loan
Press Releases Aug 11, 2017
Telecommunications Law Attorney John Gasparini Joins BB&K
Will Serve Clients from our Washington, D.C. Office
Videos Jul 24, 2017
Promoting Public and Private Sector Collaboration in a Driverless World [VIDEO]
Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and the Law
Event Jul 11, 2017
Federal Advocacy and Policy
ACM 2017 Annual Conference
Legal Alerts Jun 12, 2017
UPDATE: Real Fight Begins Over SB 649 in California Assembly
Small Cell Bill Curtails Local Discretionary Review and Rates
Press Releases May 25, 2017
Ana D. Schwab Joins BB&K as Assistant Director of Governmental Affairs
Firm’s Government Relations Team Continues to Grow
Legal Alerts May 25, 2017
NO DEAL! SB 649 Passed Out of Appropriations Committee Without Amendment
This Small Cell Bill Curtails Local Discretionary Review and Rates
Client Successes May 15, 2017
BB&K Government Relations Team Helps Client Secure Federal Grant for Water Project
Las Virgenes-Triunfo JPA Pure Water Project Receives Funds
Press Releases Apr 24, 2017
Telecommunications Law Attorney Joseph Van Eaton Selected to Super Lawyers D.C.
Washington, D.C.-Based Partner Recognized for Communications
Event Apr 21, 2017
IMLA’s 2017 Mid-Year Seminar
International Municipal Lawyers Association
Legal Alerts Apr 18, 2017
California Small Cell Bill Curtails Local Discretionary Review and Rates
Local Governments Need to Voice Their Concerns Before April 26 Hearing
Legal Alerts Apr 11, 2017
Final California Water Conservation Plan and Proposed Legislation Released
Urban Water Suppliers Face Far-Reaching Consequences
Press Releases Feb 01, 2017
BB&K Again a Top Sacramento Law Firm
Sacramento Business Journal’s 2017 Law Firm List
Legal Alerts Jan 25, 2017
WOTUS Rule on Hold in Sixth Circuit
Challenge to Waters of the U.S. Rule Delayed Pending Supreme Court Review
Legal Alerts Jan 18, 2017
The Trump Infrastructure Plan
How BB&K Can Help Your Agency Position and Respond
Legal Alerts Jan 18, 2017
Waters of the U.S. Rule to Go to Supreme Court
Nation’s High Court Agreed to Hear Challenges to Controversial Rule
Legal Alerts Dec 14, 2016
BB&K Advocacy Brief: Proposition 54 and Local Governments
Is Transparency Law a Game Changer?
Event Nov 29, 2016
Bringing Water Together
ACWA's 2016 Fall Conference & Exhibition
Videos Nov 22, 2016
Joseph Byrne Video Bio
Partner
Legal Alerts Nov 15, 2016
The Future of U.S. Infrastructure and Local Control Amid Post-Election Uncertainty
Post-Election Opportunities for Local Government Agencies
BB&K In the News Sep 23, 2016
County Counsel Teamwork: The Exide Story
BB&K Part of Team Supporting Clean Up of Former Battery Recycling Site
Legal Alerts Sep 21, 2016
Federal Autonomous Vehicles Policy Released by NHTSA
60-Day Comment Period Provides Important Chance to Have Local Voices Heard
Videos Sep 15, 2016
How are Cities Looking at Water
Reimagining the Cadillac Desert
BB&K Event Sep 15, 2016
Reimagining the Cadillac Desert
BB&K's Inaugural Premier Event
Videos Sep 15, 2016
Modern Urban Living in the Dry Age
Reimagining the Cadillac Desert
Videos Sep 15, 2016
Reimagining the Cadillac Desert: Welcome and Opening Remarks
BB&K's Eric Garner Kicks Off Event
Videos Sep 15, 2016
The Forever Drought
Reimagining the Cadillac Desert
Videos Sep 15, 2016
Using Nature's Technology in Response to Drought
Reimagining the Cadillac Desert
Videos Sep 15, 2016
Water and Technology
Reimagining the Cadillac Desert
Videos Sep 15, 2016
Where Will Water Come From?
Reimagining the Cadillac Desert
Legal Alerts Jul 20, 2016
California State Water Board Releases Revised Drinking Water Fee Regulations
Public Comments Due July 29th
Legal Alerts Jun 30, 2016
E-Rate Program Proposed Expansion
FCC Looking to Increase Eligibility for Reimbursement
Legal Alerts Jun 27, 2016
HUD Proposes Two New Rules on Broadband Infrastructure and Consolidated Planning
Failure to Comply Could Impact HUD Funding
Legal Alerts Jun 22, 2016
FCC’s Lifeline Order
Opportunities for Public Housing Residents and Local Government Agencies
Event Apr 27, 2016
Wait! Who is Driving that Car?: The Autonomous Vehicle Revolution and our Transportation Infrastructure
IMLA Webinar
Press Releases Apr 11, 2016
BB&K Partner Successfully Testifies About Homeless Bill
Marco Martinez Appeared Before California Senate Committee on SB 876
Legal Alerts Mar 17, 2016
The State of Our Autonomy is... Moving Fast, Optimistic and Filled with Regulatory Questions
Cities Need to Climb on Board or Be Left Behind
Legal Alerts Mar 11, 2016
March 15 Deadline Approaches For California Water Suppliers to Apply for Adjustments to Water Conservation Requirements
Climate, Growth and Water Supply Adjustments Ease Conservation Burden in Some Communities
Client Successes Feb 26, 2016
BB&K Team Helps L.A. County Get State Funding for Exide Contamination
Board of Supervisors gives commendation to attorneys John Holloway and Gene Tanaka
Legal Alerts Feb 22, 2016
Sixth Circuit Exercises Jurisdiction over Federal Clean Water Rule Challenges
Nationwide Stay of WOTUS Rule Remains in Effect
Legal Alerts Feb 19, 2016
DWR Releases Draft Emergency Regulations for Groundwater Sustainability Plans in California
Proposed Regulations Include Required Plan Elements and Criteria for State Review
