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 Fourth Edition considers the unique role that local governments play in the federal system. The book asks about the distinct characteristics of local governments that distinguish them from other levels of government. The materials then explore three relationships involving local governments: the relationship between the locality and the state, the relationship between the locality and its residents, and the relationship between the locality and its neighbors. The new edition discusses recent developments in the relationship between the federal government and states and localities, including: the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions in Riegel v. Medtronic (2008), Good v. Altria Group (2009), and Levine v. Wyeth (2009) concerning the federal preemption of state law; the 6th Circuit's decision in School District of Pontiac v. Secretary of the U.S. Dep't of Education (2009), involving the No Child Left Behind Act and unfunded federal mandates to states and school districts; and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Gonzales v. Raich (2005), affirming Congress's power under the Commerce Clause to prohibit states from authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The fourth edition also includes new materials concerning the role of local governments in local economic development.

Local Governing Power: General Aspects, Limitations, Resolution of Power Conflicts and Challenges; Formation of the Local Government, Alteration, Boundary Changes; Some Problems of Organization and Operation: Officers, Employees, Allocation and Delegation of Functions, Elections; Regulation of Conduct and the Use of Land: Acquisition, Limitations on Use and Disposition of Goods, Services and Property; Revenues; Considerations Pertinent to Citizen Litigation with Local Governments.

This book provides a number of windows into homeland security and emergency management law - covering both the basic structure of the homeland security and emergency management system and presenting detailed analysis of specific areas (such as applying for federal preparedness funds, negotiating intergovernmental agreements, applying for disaster assistance, and managing the impact of catastrophic events).

This book reviews and explains the principal public records statutes applicable to records held by North Carolina local governments and examines the public's right of access to those records. It expands the coverage of the first edition and its cumulative supplement and also includes developments in the law since 2004. Although the book focuses on records held by local governments, state government officials also will find it useful.