Local Government Services

County, city, and other local governments face a unique array of legal issues, ranging from compliance with federal and state laws and regulations to economic development partnerships. Local governments also often have a profound impact on business strategy and operations.

Whether you are a local government official or a business interacting with local government, you need skilled and experienced legal counsel. Troutman Pepper Locke has decades of experience guiding local governments in legal, legislative, and regulatory matters, from administrative proceedings and litigation to strategic counseling on state and federal issues impacting local matters. Similarly, we represent businesses and individuals before local governments, including on economic development, land use and zoning, utility franchises, infrastructure projects (including public-private partnerships), and more. Our experience involves local governments across the country, with notable experience in states where we have offices.

Our services include:

• Governmental Structure and Annexation – We represent governments in administrative and judicial proceedings regarding boundary disputes and adjustments, local government structure, city-to-town reversion, annexation, consolidation, and revenue sharing.
• Land Use and Zoning – We advise governments and businesses on local permitting, planning, compliance, and enforcement regulations.
• Economic Development – We advise localities and businesses regarding revenue sharing, funding, grants, economic development projects, and legislative initiatives.
• Election Law – We represent local, state, and national campaigns, candidates, and government bodies dealing with election law issues, recounts, challenges to qualifications, and Voting Rights Act challenges.
• Utility Service – We represent governments and businesses in disputes over utility services in and outside of local boundaries.
• Compliance – We prepare compliance assurance programs designed to help local governments prevent, detect, and deter violations of environmental, health, and safety laws. We also advise and represent businesses regarding local government compliance, including tobacco taxation and gaming regulation.
• Professional Conduct – We defend local governments and public officials who are investigated or charged with civil and criminal malfeasance in office, as well as businesses implicated in state or local false claims act investigations.
• Employment – We counsel local governments on employee grievances and complaints.
• Public Records – We advise local governments on Freedom of Information Act and public records requirements; advise businesses regarding the public records implications of their interactions with state and local government bodies; and help businesses protect their trade secrets and other confidential information.
• Local Ordinances – We advise local governments on issues related to the adoption, interpretation, and enforcement of local ordinances.