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.

The legal issues facing city government change rapidly in the United States, and Cases and Materials on Local Government Law, Fourth Edition updates material throughout the book to reflect the most recent changes. Many new cases (and a number of new articles and book excerpts) have replaced older ones. In particular, the authors have substantially revised the materials on federal-city relations, on finance, and on school vouchers. Also included are completely new materials on community economic development, black suburbanization, and the property rights movements? attempt to overturn efforts to control suburban sprawl.

This Hornbook provides an overview of the operations and the interrelationships of the various levels of government in the United States, with emphasis on local units. The text first discusses local government units and examines the forms of government within these units. The relationship of local governments to state and federal governments is inspected. Additional coverage includes local units and their power, the limitations on those powers, the forms local legislative action may take, and the means for holding local governments liable.