05 May Supporting Local Governments in Uncertain Times
How IMLA is Helping Local Government Lawyers Navigate a Shifting Federal Landscape
In a time of extraordinary change at the federal level — including the issuance of 142 Executive Orders in just the first 100 days of the current administration — local governments are facing new and often complex legal challenges. From dramatic changes to federal funding frameworks, to shifts in immigration enforcement and evolving standards for diversity programs, local government lawyers are on the front lines of interpreting and responding to legal uncertainty that directly affects their communities.
IMLA is here to help.
As the oldest and largest organization devoted to local government lawyers, the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) has stepped up to meet the moment. Recognizing the urgent need for collaboration, clarity, and legal analysis, IMLA is currently offering:
Biweekly Topical Calls – Typically 6 Each Month
IMLA is convening approximately six interactive calls each month on the most pressing federal issues affecting local governments, including:
- Federal Funding: Rapid changes to grant compliance, program eligibility, and funding conditions
- Immigration Law: Shifts in enforcement priorities and their impact on local policies as well as implications for funding and criminal liability
- Diversity Programs: Legal scrutiny and shifting parameters for diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and programs
These calls regularly bring together hundreds of local government attorneys from across the country, creating a unique space to issue-spot, share resources, and develop practical legal solutions.
Timely Legal Updates – Delivered Daily
Through IMLA’s active listservs, members receive regular (often daily) updates that synthesize key legal developments, flag emerging risks, and highlight relevant court decisions, proposed rules, changes to federal grants, and federal agency guidance — all with the goal of keeping legal departments informed without duplication of effort.
“With the recent onslaught of funding and regulatory shifts occurring at the Federal level, IMLA has been an invaluable and trusted resource to quickly analyze and push out information updates. Having IMLA as a team member (along with the collaboration and information sharing from other member municipalities) enables us to quickly generate accurate and timely advice for our clients.” – Nancy Thompson, City Counselor, Columbia, Missouri
Topical CLE Webinars with Subject Matter Experts
IMLA curates and delivers live CLE-accredited webinars led by nationally recognized subject matter experts. These sessions provide deeper dives into urgent topics, offering practical, real-time legal education to support front-line attorneys and ensure local governments remain compliant, resilient, and well-informed. Topics include grant compliance, immigration, and the False Claims Act, among others.
A Trusted Partner in Legal Preparedness
As local governments face increased legal uncertainty, IMLA provides the collective infrastructure to interpret national developments through a local lens. Our mission is to equip local government lawyers with the tools, insight, and peer network they need to serve their communities effectively and lawfully, while upholding principles of local autonomy.
“IMLA provides a vital network for connection, knowledge exchange, and coordinated advocacy. It empowers municipal lawyers across the country to stay informed, elevate best practices, and speak with a united voice on matters of national impact. Today, local governments are on the front lines of the most pressing legal issues of our time. In this pivotal moment, the role of IMLA in bringing together attorneys across the country is not only relevant—it is essential.” – Renee Garcia, City Solicitor, City of Philadelphia
About IMLA
Since 1935, the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) has been the premier organization serving attorneys representing cities, counties, and special districts across the United States and Canada. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, IMLA supports the work of local government lawyers and advances the fair and effective practice of local government law. IMLA is a non-partisan membership organization for local government attorneys.
Join IMLA Today
Email info@imla.org for more information or to get your application started!