When it comes to municipalities, not everyone understands the difference between a town or area being incorporated or unincorporated. So, what's the difference? The three types of general law municipalities Towns (larger than villages and smaller than cities) are...
Creative Representation For Governmental Entities
Municipal Law
How COVID-19 has affected city planning
After nearly two years we have become all too familiar with the impact of the pandemic on our families, workplaces, worship communities and social lives. But what changes will cities make to how they use and designate space now that the world has experienced a...
Does the 3-minute rule violate First Amendment rights?
Recently community members and activists in Texas and in other states such as California have questioned whether the three-minute rule at public hearings is a violation of their First Amendment right. Currently residents are allowed to voice their concerns and...
When and why small Texas cities use outside counsel
While large Texas cities employ a city attorney who has a full-time staff, many smaller cities have just one attorney on staff to handle their legal needs. Some of the smaller cities use a combination of staff and outside counsel, while others use outside counsel...
Governor suspends in-person visitations in city, county jails
Regular readers of our Texas Municipal Law Blog know that we recently wrote about Gov. Abbott’s Disaster Declaration issued in March for all Texas counties in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The governor has twice issued 30-day extensions of the declaration. If...
Requirements for creating a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
Municipalities survive on development and redevelopment. To attract developers, cities may need to utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF). TIF is a financial incentive for private businesses to participate in projects designed to help the community. Local governments...
How to write a sound proposal
Municipalities provide support to their communities when they need it most. And in times like these, when people are ill or struggling financially, local governments must act fast. However, community tax dollars aren't always enough to foot the bill. Fortunately,...
Understanding market value compensation and eminent domain
Citizens rely on sound and efficient public utilities. And in sprawling metros like San Antonio, local governments should focus on utility expansion to keep up with the surging population. But sometimes, these developments require seizing private land from others....
First responders now include 911 dispatchers in Texas
Being a first responder is a big job. In an instant, there are people counting on you to help them get emergency care that may, ultimately, save their life.While 911 dispatchers provide an important service to the people of Texas, they were not considered first...
Social media use and public sector employees
Every day, it seems as if there is a new political, cultural, generational or regional controversy. Whatever the disagreement might be, people may have strong feelings about it and want to share those feelings with others.Today, it is easier than ever for people to...