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 bill’s sponsor said it was intended to promote public safety and show support for law enforcement
The inspector general’s report found more than half of female employees and 87% of Black employees surveyed reported harassment or discrimination
The smell of marijuana will no longer be grounds for police searches
Richmond, CA, is considering an urban farming ordinance that lays out what products residents can raise and sell. Learn how adjustments to zoning can support economic development
A new ordinance in Denver will allow local residents to participate as sellers at farmers markets with a new permit from the city. Details of this and how other cities are expanding farmers markets into true attractions
In New York state, a court ruling upheld a municipality’s right to stop hydraulic fracking with amended zoning bylaws.
As part of a city-wide Climate Action Plan, the Boston city council recently passed an ordinance requiring building owners to report annual water and energy consumption
Has a weakened presidency in the United States and a soft international policy lead to the recent Russian invasion of Crimea in the Ukraine?
A landmark ruling by the Supreme Court for a Wyoming landowner potentially threatens municipal abilities to convert unused railways and trails into bike/walk friendly trails. Details of the case and its impact on you inside
One of the best parts of operating Gov1 is the stories we cover. While most are compelling, this one of the success of Alameda County Girls Court shows just how effective government can be…
Success with its marijuana legalization effort should enable Colorado to spend an extra $40 million on education. Details of the state’s approach and how the windfall was earned...
Municipalities in New Jersey are teaming up to save $600,000 by sharing court services. The details of this venture and other potential similar moves in Ohio inside...
As cities and states across the US debate how to deal with the realities of online car sharing (Uber, etc.) companies entering the previously uncontested realm of the taxi business, California has taken the lead on permitting. Details inside.
A recent economics study of California’s medical marijuana policy since 1996 shows multiple lessons to be learned and what to expect behavorially from new rollouts in Colorado and Washington state.
After seeing annual pension costs balloon from $7M to $129M in less than 10 years, taxpayers are suing the city of Phoenix for its allowance of public safety employees to spike their pensions prior to retirement. Read inside for the details of the spiking specifics and how it is causing budget hardship
A long fight to develop fair mobile food vendor regulations has finally ended with the city council agreeing on a monthly lottery system to determine which trucks can access popular pedestrian areas of the city. We detail DC’s battle and provide links to other cities and their current codes and regulations
A simple change in crime sentencing is having a dramatic affect on those being prosecuted as well as taxpayers. We give you the highlights of a brilliant story from the New York Times
Across the country, court consolidation is saving municipalities much needed money for other services. We delve into the details of how Cornelius, OR, and others in Ohio and New Jersey are sharing or joining courts to move towards more efficient local government
A bill set to go into effect earlier this month would allow Atlantic City casinos to operate online gaming sites for use over the Internet by New Jersey residents. Proponents argue this will offer a new source of revenue for the city and state. Inside we provide details on this plan as well as Nevada’s attempt to cut interstate deals with other states for online gaming access.
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