Understanding Local Government. 2nd ed. 2009Available to students & faculty on Lexis Digital Library.
"Local governments have their own unique characteristics and personalities. In some ways, they are similar to the Federal Government because they are totally dependent on the kind of structure and authority that has been delegated to them by their states. Although this means that there are pronounced variations from state to state, there are also basic characteristics that are common to all. Focusing on those basic characteristics, this treatise aims to provide a general understanding of the functionality of local governments.
Understanding Local Government identifies the underpinnings and the concepts that determine how local governments function in fulfilling their purpose of providing both needed and desired services to their residents. The book is designed for ease of use in both teaching and learning, having an introduction and overview at the beginning of each chapter and clearly delineated subsections. The book also makes numerous references to laws and other materials of particular states and regions, making it easy to provide illustrative examples and to supplement the text. Specific areas covered include:
• Local authority and regulation;
• Land use controls;
• Local contracts;
• Delivery of services and assistance;
• Public access to information and right to vote;
• Local officers and employees;
• Local government liability; and
• Local finances."
Description
Table of contents
Title information
Digital rights information
Chapter 1 Introduction to Local Government
1.1 Introduction and Chapter Overview
PART I FORMS AND RELATIONSHIPS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
1.2 Forms From Colonial Days to Present
1.3 Relationship to the Federal Government
1.4 Relationship to the State Government
1.5 Relationship Between and Among Local Governments
PART II GEOGRAPHICAL AND POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
1.6 Creation and Dissolution
1.7 Change in Boundary or Structure
1.8 Forms of Government
Chapter 2 Local Authority
2.1 Introduction and Chapter Overview
PART I HOME RULE AND OTHER DELEGATED AUTHORITY
2.2 Delegation of Home Rule Authority
2.3 State Concerns and Local Concerns
2.4 Implied Authority and Dillon's Rule
2.5 State and Federal Preemption
PART II EXERCISE OF LOCAL AUTHORITY - LIMITATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
2.6 Local Governing Body and Local Enactments
2.7 Federal and State Constitutional Requirements
2.8 Delegation of Authority to Officers and Administrative Agencies
Chapter 3 Regulation by Local Governments
3.1 Introduction and Chapter Overview
PART I GENERAL EXERCISE OF POLICE POWER
3.2 Nuisances
3.3 Business Regulation
3.4 Adult Uses
3.5 Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
3.6 Speech and Movement of Individuals
3.7 Other Health, Safety and Welfare Concerns
3.8 Civil and Human Rights
PART II LICENSES, PERMITS AND FRANCHISES
3.9 Local Licenses and Permits
3.10 Franchises
3.11 Telecommunications
3.12 Challenge to the Grant or Denial of License, Permit or Franchise
Chapter 4 Private and Public Land
4.1 Introduction and Chapter Overview
PART I REGULATION OF PRIVATE LAND USE
4.2 Planning
4.3 Zoning
4.4 Applicability, Variances, Special Permits and Exceptions
4.5 Regulatory Takings and Moratoriums on Development
4.6 Development Approval with Conditions of Exaction, Impact or Linkage Fees
4.7 Enforcement and Appeal from Zoning Requirements and Decisions
PART II PUBLIC PROPERTY
4.8 Acquisition and Disposition of Local Government Property
4.9 Public Property Liability
4.10 Use of Public Property
Chapter 5 Local Contracts
5.1 Introduction and Chapter Overview
PART I AUTHORITY, PROCEDURE AND FISCAL REQUIREMENTS
5.2 Authority to Contract
5.3 Procedural and Format Requirements
5.4 Fiscal Requirements
PART II COMPETITIVE BIDS
5.5 Requirement for Competitive Bids and Exceptions
5.6 Specifications, Restrictions and Formalities
5.7 Local Action on Bids
5.8 Judicial Challenge to Competitive Bidding
PART III QUASI-CONTRACTS
5.9 Local Obligation Without a Contract
5.10 Local Obligation With an Invalid Contract
PART IV ENFORCEMENT OF CONTRACTS
5.11 Contract that is Unauthorized, Executed by Unauthorized Agent, or in Unauthorized Form or Procedure
5.12 Contract That is Prohibited or Contrary to Public Policy
5.13 Ratification or Estoppel
Chapter 6 Delivery of Services and Assistance
6.1 Introduction and Chapter Overview
PART I SPECIAL DISTRICTS, AUTHORITIES, AND PRIVATIZATION
6.2 Education and School Districts
6.3 Special Improvement Districts
6.4 Public Authorities
6.5 Privatization of Services or Assets
PART II PROTECTION, ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS
6.6 Local Liability for Law Enforcement and Fire Protection
6.7 Public Assistance
6.8 Housing
6.9 Local Response to Changes and Disasters
6.10 Local Courts and Dispute Resolution
PART III COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
6.11 Community...