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. 

Best Best & Krieger LLP’s Municipal Law practice is regarded as a leader in the field, ranked “Tier One” by U.S. News-Best Lawyers in America. Our attorneys are consistently recognized on various top attorney rankings lists, including Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. The practice, established at the firm’s inception in 1891, currently represents close to 250 cities and counties.

Our highly skilled, diverse team of lawyers offers comprehensive, cost-effective counsel to cities, housing authorities, successor agencies and joint powers authorities. We help these clients successfully maneuver through legal complexities and governmental directives, enabling them to focus on providing superior service to their communities. 

Comprehensive, Cost-Effective Service 
BB&K 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
• Comprehensive Code Enforcement
• Conflicts of interest
• Elections and redistricting issues
• Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs)
• Government Policy & Public Integrity
• Public Records Act 
• Records retention and destruction
• Subpoenas 

Public Finance

• Grant writing and funding assistance
• Fees, Taxes & Assessments
• Public-Private Partnerships

Government Relations

Labor & Employment, including Employee Benefits

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Public Contracts, Public Works, Utilities & Infrastructure

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

Public Safety

Planning, Development & Real Estate Issues

• Economic Development, Real Estate & Affordable Housing 
• Environmental Law
• Land Use, Planning & Zoning
• Real estate acquisition, transactions and construction issues
• Williamson Act

Advocacy & Litigation
Unlike other firms, which focus on either lobby and advocacy or city services guidance, BB&K has extensive experience assisting clients in both areas. Working closely with our government relations 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. 

Event Sep 08, 2022

2022 Cal Cities Annual Conference

BB&K Attorneys to Present on AB 602, Wireless Permitting, City Governance Models and the Surplus Land Act

BB&K In the News Aug 16, 2022

Managing Partner Eric Garner Discusses New Opportunities in Water Law With Daily Journal

Addresses Skills and Traits Needed for Up-and-Coming Water Attorneys

Legal Alerts Aug 12, 2022

California Supreme Court Rules on Franchise Fees for Solid Waste Contract

Court Determined City Did Not Show Solid Waste Franchise Fees Were Not Taxes

Legal Alerts Aug 11, 2022

FCC Creates $100 Million Outreach Grant Program for Affordable Connectivity Program

Local Governments Eligible to Compete for These Funds

Press Releases Aug 02, 2022

BB&K Congratulates Former Firm Attorneys on Bench Appointments

Mona Nemat and Jerry Yang Named Riverside County Superior Court Judges

Press Releases Jul 26, 2022

BB&K Attorneys Named to 2022 Northern and Southern California Super Lawyers Lists

Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Honorees Selected for Achievements in Real Estate, Land Use, Employment, Litigation, Government Affairs and More

Legal Alerts Jul 26, 2022

Surplus Land Act Inventory Requirements and Newly Issued Compliance Resources

Getting Ahead of an Annual AB 1486 Mandate and New State-issued Compliance Tools

Legal Alerts Jul 20, 2022

California Legislature Grants Housing Element Compliance Extensions

California Cities and Homeless Efforts to Benefit From SB 197

Legal Alerts Jul 05, 2022

U.S. Supreme Court Limits EPA’s Climate Change Authority Under the Clean Air Act

The Court’s Decision in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency Opens the Door For Courts to Reconsider and Potentially Erode Chevron Deference

Press Releases Jun 27, 2022

Tillman Lay Joins Best Best & Krieger as Partner

Lay a Distinguished Telecommunications Advocate for Local Governments Across the Nation

Press Releases Jun 21, 2022

Nancy Park Named to Sacramento Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business List

Annual List Recognizes Women Who Represent the Best of Sacramento’s Business Community

Legal Alerts Jun 17, 2022

Environmental Protection Agency Issues New Drinking Water Health Advisories

Advisories Apply to PFOA, PFOS, GenX and PFBS

Event Jun 15, 2022

2022 TCAA Summer Conference

BB&K Attorneys to Discuss Navigating Federally Funded Projects and Ethics Rules

Press Releases Jun 15, 2022

BB&K Remembers the Late Joseph Van Eaton, Partner

Van Eaton’s Dedication, Commitment to Excellence and Kindness Will Not Be Forgotten

Legal Alerts Jun 14, 2022

Process for Federal Internet Infrastructure & Digital Equity Fund Distribution Begins

State Deadlines Are in Mid-July; Localities Should Start Consulting With Their States Now

Legal Alerts Jun 08, 2022

Court Rules Controversial Minimum Ratio Groundwater Pumping Rate Mandate Violates Proposition 26

Court of Appeal Strikes Down Minimum 3:1 Ratio Statute for Failure to Comply with Proposition 26 and Provides Guidance on Standard of Review

Legal Alerts May 26, 2022

Failure To Pay Under Protest Prevents Ratepayer From Challenging Garbage Collection Charges

Padilla v. San Jose Decision Sheds Light on How Cities Can Obtain Health and Safety Code Protections for Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Solid Waste Fees

Legal Alerts May 26, 2022

State Water Resources Control Board Adopts Emergency Drought Regulation

Ramifications for Urban Water Suppliers and Non-Functional Turf

Press Releases May 18, 2022

Lauren Langer Recognized as Top L.A. Attorney

Los Angeles Business Journal Honors Standout Legal Talent

Legal Alerts May 17, 2022

U.S. Supreme Court Issues Two Decisions Impacting Local Sign Regulations and Flag Policies

Lawful or Landmine? Court Rules on First Amendment Snares

Press Releases May 16, 2022

Best Best & Krieger Announces Inaugural Arthur L. Littleworth Diversity Scholarship Recipient

Scholarship Presented to Saugus High School Senior at Association of California Water Agencies Spring Conference

BB&K Event May 13, 2022

2022 Claremont Colleges Latinx Graduation

BB&K’s Albert Maldonado Alumni Keynote Speaker

Event May 04, 2022

2022 ACWA Spring Conference and Exhibition

BB&K Attorneys to Address Drought Management, Rate Setting and Federal Funding

Legal Alerts Apr 27, 2022

NFTs – Non-Fungible Campaign Contributions?

FPPC’s Newly Issued Leiderman Commission Opinion Provides Guidance on Campaign Reporting Obligations

Legal Alerts Apr 26, 2022

Will Virtual Public Meetings Continue Even After the Pandemic?

Two New Bills Could Ease California’s Teleconferencing Restrictions for the Long-Term

Legal Alerts Apr 25, 2022

White House Council on Environmental Quality Finalizes First Phase of NEPA Regulation Revisions

What Changed, What Matters for Local Governments and What’s Next

Press Releases Apr 21, 2022

BB&K’s Alisha Winterswyk Named a Latino Leader Worth Watching

Profiles in Diversity Journal Recognizes Talents and Achievements of Latino Leaders

Legal Alerts Apr 21, 2022

New Website Accessibility Guidance a Welcomed Tool for Businesses and Agencies

DOJ Has Declared Enforcement of Website Accessibility is Priority

Legal Alerts Apr 19, 2022

New Guidance on Buy America Requirements for Federally Funded Infrastructure Projects

Federal Agencies Must Ensure Applicable Programs Comply By May 14

Authored Articles & Publications Apr 13, 2022

California Court of Appeal Clarifies Application of Statute of Limitations Under Subdivision Map Act

Alisha Winterswyk and Abraham Galvan Sanchez Discuss Conditions of Approval and Takeaways in Daily Journal Article

Authored Articles & Publications Apr 11, 2022

FCC Cable Franchising: In-kind and Mixed Use Rules

PublicCEO Article Addresses Current Rules and What Happens Next

Event Apr 09, 2022

IMLA 2022 Mid-Year Seminar

BB&K Attorneys to Present on ARPA Funds, Updates in Telecomm and Forthcoming Federal Legislation

Event Apr 07, 2022

2022 CLA Open Meetings and Open Records Conference

BB&K Attorneys to Present on Brown Act In-Meeting Challenges and Closed Sessions

Authored Articles & Publications Apr 04, 2022

Wireless Landlords: Checklist for Protecting Landlord Rights and Budgets

In March/April Cover Story of ABA's Probate & Property Magazine, Authors Note Landlords Should Be Prepared to Deal with Tower Lease and License Issues

Legal Alerts Mar 31, 2022

California Issues New Drought Executive Order

Potential Ramifications for Urban Water Suppliers and Well-Permitting Entities

Legal Alerts Mar 25, 2022

Attention, Public Agencies! Annual Report Deadline is Approaching

Public Agencies Should Immediately Review Continuing Disclosure Agreements for Any Publicly Offered Municipal Securities

Client Successes Mar 24, 2022

San Juan Capistrano Supportive Housing and City Hall Project Earns Unanimous Approval

BB&K Served Key Role in Guiding City Through Nearly Two Years of Research and Planning

BB&K In the News Mar 18, 2022

BB&K’s Sarah Foley and Family Featured in The Houston Lawyer

“Law in the Family” Profile Ran in January/February Issue

BB&K In the News Mar 18, 2022

Partner Lowry Crook Discusses Sea-Level Rise with E&E News

​Article Addresses Questions Surrounding Federal Coastal Strategy

Press Releases Mar 03, 2022

BB&K’s Ruben Duran Appointed to Institute for Local Government Board

ILG Board Provides Critical Guidance About Organizational Policy, Strategy and Goals

Press Releases Mar 01, 2022

BB&K Attorneys Elected to Lead Inland Empire Hispanic Bar Association Board

Albert Maldonado Named President, Daniella Hernandez Named President-Elect for 2022

Training Feb 24, 2022

AB 1234 Ethics Guidance

BB&K Training via Webinar

Legal Alerts Feb 24, 2022

In With the New – Part Five

BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year

Press Releases Feb 23, 2022

Best Best & Krieger Launches Arthur L. Littleworth Diversity Scholarship in Conjunction with ACWA

Applications Due March 15

Legal Alerts Feb 10, 2022

In With the New – Part Four

BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year

Authored Articles & Publications Feb 08, 2022

New Law is Latest Stride Toward Law Enforcement Transparency

Christine Wood Details New Law Requiring the Disclosure of Police Records in Daily Journal Article

BB&K In the News Feb 05, 2022

BB&K Attorney Featured in Year-End Hobbies Article

Daily Journal Article Highlights Anne Branham’s Reading Goals and Achievements

Legal Alerts Feb 03, 2022

In With the New – Part Three

BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year

Legal Alerts Jan 26, 2022

In With the New – Part Two

BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year

Press Releases Jan 25, 2022

BB&K Attorneys Selected to 2022 Southern California Super Lawyers List

Partner Caroline Djang Named to Three Top Super Lawyers Lists

Event Jan 21, 2022

36th Annual Land Use Law & Planning Conference

BB&K's Alisha Winterswyk and Todd Leishman to Discuss New Statutory and Case Law at Event

Legal Alerts Jan 19, 2022

In With the New – Part One

BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year

Legal Alerts Jan 18, 2022

FCC Issues New Guidance for Affordable Connectivity Program

Local Government Voices Have Been Heard

Legal Alerts Jan 10, 2022

New Interpretation of Broad and Unduly Burdensome

Takeaways From Unprecedented Public Records Ruling in Getz v. County of El Dorado

Client Successes Jan 07, 2022

BB&K Earns Key ARPA Rule Provisions for Municipalities Nationwide

Telecommunications Team Successfully Advocates for Expanded Use of Funds

Legal Alerts Jan 07, 2022

U.S. Treasury Releases Final Rule on ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

Final Rule, Considered Victory for Local Governments, Takes Effect in April 2022

Press Releases Jan 06, 2022

Best Best & Krieger Promotes Six Attorneys to Partner

Additional 2022 Leadership Updates Involving Managing Partner and Executive Committee

BB&K In the News Dec 16, 2021

BB&K Attorney Joanna Gin Discusses SB 1383 with L.A. Times

Article Addresses Implementation and Complications of Landmark New Rules

Press Releases Dec 16, 2021

Partner Alison Alpert a San Diego Business Women of the Year Finalist

San Diego Business Journal Recognizes Dynamic Women Business Leaders

Legal Alerts Dec 16, 2021

SB 16 Compliance: Expanded Public Access to Law Enforcement Personnel Records

California Agencies Should Expect to Receive Requests in All New Categories

Free Webinar Dec 15, 2021

Public Records Act Changes to Law Enforcement and Personnel Records

Comprehensive Discussion of SB 16 Impact

Event Dec 08, 2021

Cal Cities 2021 City Clerks New Law and Elections Seminar

BB&K Attorneys to Present on Language Inclusivity and Public Records Processing

Legal Alerts Dec 02, 2021

CEQA Document Filing Fees Increase for 2022

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Announces Annual Adjustments

Press Releases Nov 24, 2021

Partner Paula de Sousa a San Diego Leaders in Law Finalist

San Diego Business Journal Recognizes Leading Special Districts Attorney

BB&K In the News Nov 23, 2021

BB&K Recall Trial Win Featured by Law360

Article Highlights Firm’s Trial Strategy and Limited Preparation Time

Event Nov 18, 2021

2021 California Land Use Law & Policy Conference

BB&K's Lauren Langer and Todd Leishman to Discuss Affordable Housing at Virtual Event

Legal Alerts Nov 16, 2021

Monumental $1.2 Trillion Bill Passed to Revitalize the Nation’s Infrastructure

Highlights of the Bill President Biden Signed Into Law on Nov. 15

BB&K In the News Nov 15, 2021

BB&K Partner Ryan Baron Profiled by Law360

Q&A Discusses Goals as California Lawyers Association Chair, Inclusion, Mental Wellness and Growth

Press Releases Nov 04, 2021

BB&K’s 2022 Best Law Firms Rankings Include New National Tier 1 Recognition

Numerous Other Gains in 12th Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Rankings

Press Releases Nov 02, 2021

Two BB&K Partners Again Recognized as Coachella Valley Top Lawyers

Robert Hargreaves and Henry Welles Named to Palm Springs Life Magazine’s 2021 Top Lawyers List

Client Successes Nov 01, 2021

BB&K Defends Shasta County Against Court Order for Recall Effort

Firm Wins High-Profile Matter with Limited Time to Prepare Opposition

Event Oct 28, 2021

2021 Municipal Management Association of Southern California Annual Conference

BB&K’s Albert Maldonado and Henry Castillo to Present at Virtual Event

BB&K In the News Oct 28, 2021

BB&K Partner Ruben Duran Profiled by Law360

Duran Discusses Goals as California State Bar Board of Trustees Chair, Latino Heritage, Access to Justice and More

Event Oct 26, 2021

2021 Board Secretary/Clerk Conference

BB&K’s Ruben Duran and Stephanie Smith to Speak at California Special Districts Association’s Annual Event

Legal Alerts Oct 19, 2021

Department of Water Resources Invites Water Use Efficiency Standards Feedback

DWR Water Use Efficiency Branch to Host Three Informational Meetings and Solicit Feedback

Press Releases Oct 14, 2021

BB&K’s Ryan Baron Elected Chair of California Lawyers Association

CLA is the Nation’s Second Largest Voluntary Bar Organization

Legal Alerts Oct 11, 2021

California Small Cell Bill Vetoed, But Deemed Granted Remedy for Small Cell Applications Signed Into Law

Key Takeaways From Governor’s SB 556 and AB 537 Actions

Authored Articles & Publications Oct 11, 2021

City Clerk and Board Secretary Roadmap

PublicCEO Article on Navigating Developing Challenges Involving Public Records, Social Media and More

Legal Alerts Oct 06, 2021

Relief for California Local Jurisdictions Unable to Meet Deadline to Implement Organic Waste Diversion Regulations

Governor Signs SB 619 Into Law

Legal Alerts Oct 05, 2021

AB 345: Local Agencies Must Allow Separate Sale or Conveyance of Certain ADUs

Applies to ADUs Constructed by Qualified Nonprofits

Event Oct 01, 2021

Environmental Regulations, Broadband Property Rights, Records Requests and More

International Municipal Lawyers Association 86th Annual Conference

Press Releases Oct 01, 2021

BB&K Partner Joseph Van Eaton Awarded IMLA’s Premier Lifetime Achievement Award

Charles S. Rhyne Lifetime Achievement in Municipal Law Award Given Intermittently to “Truly Uncommon Individuals”

Legal Alerts Oct 01, 2021

California’s Moratorium on Water Shut-Offs Extended and Expanded

SB 155 Took Effect Immediately

Legal Alerts Sep 30, 2021

New Law Expands Public Access to Police Misconduct Records

SB 16 Signed Into Law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on September 30

Authored Articles & Publications Sep 28, 2021

Bridging the Gap: Maximizing the Benefits of Working in an Intergenerational Office

BB&K’s Mrunal Shah on Understanding Generational Strengths and Styles to Work as a More Effective Unit

Press Releases Sep 27, 2021

BB&K Partner Ruben Duran Appointed Chair of the California Bar Board of Trustees

Duran to Lead Trustees for One-Year Term

Legal Alerts Sep 23, 2021

120-Day Statute of Limitations for New or Increased California Water and Sewer Rates

SB 323 Signed Into Law and Effective Jan. 1

Event Sep 22, 2021

2021 NATOA Annual Conference

National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors

Event Sep 22, 2021

Rising Threats in Cybersecurity, the Government Start-Up, Out-of-the-Box Decision-Making and More

League of California Cities 2021 Annual Conference

Legal Alerts Sep 22, 2021

Court Prohibits Los Angeles City from Summarily Destroying Homeless Individuals’ “Bulky” Items

Ninth Circuit Affirms Lower Court’s Preliminary Injunction

Press Releases Sep 21, 2021

Municipal Law Attorney Derra Purnell Joins BB&K

Of Counsel Has Noted Public Sector and Compliance Experience in Southwest

Press Releases Sep 21, 2021

Two BB&K Attorneys Honored by CCCA at 2021 Fall Conference

Christi Hogin and Michael Jenkins Selected to Receive El Matador Grande Award

Legal Alerts Sep 17, 2021

EPA Withdraws Trump-era Guidance on When Groundwater Releases Require Clean Water Act Permits

Withdrawal expands “functional equivalent” test for discharges that the Supreme Court established in County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund

Authored Articles & Publications Sep 16, 2021

Environmental Justice and the Convergence of Social Awareness and Climate Change

Gene Tanaka, Rebecca Andrews and Julia Li Address the Impact of Federal and State Environmental Justice Initiatives in Municipal Lawyer

Free Webinar Sep 14, 2021

American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds: Key Implementation, Compliance and Reporting Guidelines

BB&K Free Webinar

Legal Alerts Sep 14, 2021

Update: Gov. Newsom Signs AB 361 Amending the Brown Act

Urgency Bill Takes Immediate Effect to Allow Virtual Meetings Under Certain Circumstances

Press Releases Sep 10, 2021

Christopher Pisano Named 2021 Legal Visionary

L.A. Times Business of Law Publication Recognizes Work of BB&K Litigator

Legal Alerts Sep 09, 2021

SB 9: It’s Not a Duplex Bill, It’s a Fourplex Bill!

Bill to Allow Lot Splits and Two-Unit Projects By-Right in Single-Family Zones Passes in Legislature and Awaits Governor Approval

Legal Alerts Sep 08, 2021

Common Interest Developments May Not Impose Post-Purchase Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals

City Restrictions Are Not Affected