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.

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.