Legal
Legal matters are a core focus for local and state government agencies, encompassing the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of laws and regulations that govern public affairs. Legal frameworks ensure that government actions are consistent with the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights. Though by no means a perfect system – enforcement inequities continue to make the headlines – local leaders strive to create laws that work fairly for all.
The ruling happened just hours after a federal judge allowed the ban on the sale and transfer of high-capacity magazines to take effect this week
The vote was 8-3, with the majority agreeing to grant police the option despite strong objections from some groups
537 officers will receive between $9.56 for a single missed lunch up to $1,223 for 128 missed lunches
Tulsa, Okla., has made changes to address code enforcement neighborhood by neighborhood.
A Las Vegas anti-squatting law and cooperation between utility departments, police and code enforcement are slowly addressing problems at abandoned homes.
From coast to coast, states and local governments are trying to figure out drone laws and ordinances that are viable and make sense for their communities.
The new building and zoning data tool will pull online permit, license and inspection information and map results by neighborhood or district.
As cities around the world coordinate rental rules, former mayors advising Airbnb could help the company get ahead of concerns raised by local governments.
Berkeley, Calif.'s, construction wage theft ordinance could protect laborers and level the playing field for by-the-book businesses.
Pfizer will disclose opioid addiction risks in its marketing of prescription painkillers, will fund medical educational programs for health care providers.
Sustainability
Expanding upon an earlier law, San Francisco will retire nearly all of the plastic chemical foam in a strict polystyrene ban that starts in 2017.
The Chicago City Council approves ride-hailing and short-term rental regulations, delaying Uber fingerprinting and requiring Airbnb to share listings data.
An Airbnb bill imposing penalties on those that rent in multi-unit buildings for less than 30 days, unless they are present, heads to governor’s desk.
Enforcing short term rental restrictions is an issue for smaller communities that must deal with complaints.
Since 800 citations for smoking pot were issued in 2014, Colorado cities like Denver are trying to figure out how to establish and regulate pot clubs.
A Berlin ban, San Francisco crackdown, Chicago ordinance, New Orleans controversy and Connecticut-wide tax requirement highlight the war over Airbnb.
A Philadelphia developer backs out on affordable housing agreed to under zoning reform, and Boston struggles with plans created under its policy formulas.
Atlanta officials met with Newark, N.J., to understand the city’s deal with Uber to legalize airport pickups without requiring driver fingerprinting.
The city must balance budgets over the next five years to keep the state from taking over, and Gov. Chris Christie still has to sign off on the deal.
MOST POPULAR
- Boulder mourns victims of shooting as leaders consider gun control, mental health care
- Pittsburgh police get state grant for Youth Connections program
- COVID comeback: Are Designated Outdoor Drinking Areas right for your community?
- How to improve public health, the environment and racial equity all at once: Upgrade low-income housing
- Paid overtime returns for New Orleans police, fire departments