Published Articles

2009

Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation

• Post-Kelo Reforms: Far From ‘Phony’December 7, 2009Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Kelo v. City of New London, California has enacted significant reforms to protect property owners. This article explores these new protections while still providing cities and redevelopment agencies with eminent domain to revitalize deteriorated and blighted areas. Excerpt "But, with three significant changes by the Legislature in 2006, ... read more

Housing

• Jump-starting Stalled Redevelopment ProjectsNovember 13, 2009Despite the state of the economy and the real estate markets, cities can benefit by getting their stalled redevelopment projects back on track. This article discusses how cities can revive their projects and the benefits of doing so. Excerpt "When faced with a redevelopment project that begins to unravel, cities should first remember  that, in the final analysis, it is the city itself that ... read more
• Maximizing Your Stimulus Part IV: HUD Issues NOFA for Second Round of Neighborhood Stabilization ProgramMay 15, 2009In this latest installment of our Maximizing Your Stimulus e-Alert series, we summarize HUD’s recently issued NOFA for additional Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funding appropriated through the ARRA. The NSP was established to assist communities suffering from foreclosures and property abandonment. Earlier this month, HUD issued notice that $1.93 billion has been appropriated for a ... read more

Land Use and Environmental Law

• The Impact of Greenhouse Gas Regulations on the Domestic Oil and Gas Exploration and Production IndustryAugust 20, 2009This article explores the impacts that regulations and goals encompassed in AB 32 and the California Air Resources Board's Scoping Plan could have on the continued exploration and production of domestic oil. Excerpt "Due to the higher levels of emissions associated with production and refining of California heavy crude oil, the California Independent Petroleum Association has expressed its ... read more

Municipal and Special District Law

• Recent Trend in Green Buildings Laws: Potential Preemption of Green Building and Whether Retrofitting Existing Buildings Will Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Save the EconomyJuly 15, 2009 Driven by local government regulations, green building for civic, residential and commercial projects has been sweeping the country, and especially California. This article discusses the potential impacts of economic factors and federal laws on the green building industry. Excerpt "Recently, a federal district court in New Mexico issued one of the first court decisions regarding the ... read more