Business

Inaugurated this year, 2026, the Mid-Year Seminar Scholarship was offered as an opportunity to help members attend our Mid-Year Seminar. This scholarship provides financial assistance to cover registration and some travel expenses, making it easier for members to take advantage of the education, networking, and professional development the conference offers. We were pleased to see the significant number of outstanding applications from members who evidence a clear interest in furthering their professional development. We are pleased to announce the recipients of the...

Inaugurated in 2023, the Charles W. Thompson, Jr. Local Government Law Scholarships are competitive awards intended to recognize rising 2Ls and 3Ls with demonstrated interest and accomplishment in the study of municipal law. All candidates submit written expressions of interest, law school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. In addition, those seeking the larger $5,000 scholarship were required to submit an original work relating to local government law. We were fortunate to receive a significant number of outstanding applications from law students...

IMLA’s Legal Advocacy program promotes the interests of local government in amicus briefs filed at appellate courts nationally, including state supreme courts, the federal Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. Through roughly 40 briefs each year, whether filed by IMLA individually, jointly with other jurisdictions and state municipal organizations, or with one more of our associates in the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC)--the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, the Government Finance Officers...

As we close another impactful year of education and community in local government law, I find myself filled with anticipation for what’s in store for 2026 from a CLE perspective — a year packed with robust programming designed to meet your professional needs, whether you’re able to travel or prefer virtual learning.   In-Person Events Worth Planning For We are back for our 2026 IMLA Mid-Year Seminar, returning to Washington, D.C., from April 10–13, 2026. This premier event will once again feature dual...

IMLA confirms Susana Alcala Wood as IMLA President from October 21, 2025 - September 27, 2026. IMLA confirms Susana Alcala Wood as IMLA President from October 21, 2025 - September 27, 2026. In a business meeting held on October 21, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana, IMLA confirmed the nomination of Susana Alcala Wood of Sacramento, California to be President of IMLA. Susana Alcala Wood accepted the appointment by the City of San Jose to serve as their City Attorney in August of 2025...

On October 20th during our 90th Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, IMLA was able to announce and recognize our 2025 award winners. These award winners are IMLA members who have gone above and beyond the field of municipal law and were nominated by their colleagues to receive these awards. The Charles S. Rhyne Lifetime Achievement In Municipal Law Award The Lifetime Achievement in Municipal Law Award is the highest award given by IMLA. The award honors the recipient’s lifetime achievements in...

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...

IMLA’s Legal Advocacy program promotes the interests of local government in amicus briefs filed at appellate courts nationally, including state supreme courts, the federal Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. Through roughly 40 briefs each year, whether filed by IMLA individually, jointly with other jurisdictions and state municipal organizations, or with one more of our associates in the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC)--the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, the Government Finance Officers...

Inaugurated in 2023, the Charles W. Thompson, Jr. Local Government Law Scholarships are competitive awards intended to recognize rising 2Ls and 3Ls with demonstrated interest and accomplishment in the study of municipal law. All candidates submit written expressions of interest, law school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. In addition, those seeking the larger $5,000 scholarship were required to submit an original work relating to local government law. We were fortunate to receive a significant number of outstanding applications from law students...

IMLA confirms Jeffrey Dana as IMLA President from September 29, 2024 to October 21, 2025. IMLA confirms Jeffrey Dana as IMLA President from September 29, 2024 – October 21, 2025. In a business meeting held on September 29, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, IMLA confirmed the nomination of Jeffrey Dana of Providence, Rhode Island to be President of IMLA. Jeff has been City Solicitor for the City of Providence, Rhode Island since March 2015. Prior to serving as the Solicitor, he was in private...