IMLA

Preemption Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-06-22 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Post-COVID Equitable Housing Preemption
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
This session examines state preemption of local authority to protect tenants and expand access to affordable housing, particularly following the implementation and expiration of emergency measures passed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many state legislatures, in both “red” and “blue” states, preempt local governments from increasing housing supply, crafting inclusionary zoning, or implementing rent regulations to alleviate housing unaffordability. This dynamic often came to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic as local governments sought to impose eviction moratoriums and extend other support to burdened renters. The sunset of these provisions during a time of high inflation and projected recession has demonstrated the need for continued local government leadership on equitable housing policies, and even where state preemption exists. Local governments may still be able advance housing equity despite preemption and there are ways that municipal attorneys can help local leaders navigate this complex landscape.
Speaker: Nestor Davidson, Berbeth Foster & Marissa Roy

Religion Webinar
2023-06-27 13:00 - 14:00
Practical Implications of the Supreme Court’s Recent Free Exercise and Establishment Decisions
This webinar will address the practical implications of recent Supreme Court decisions about the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses. Led by a practicing First Amendment lawyer and a First Amendment specialist at UVA Law School, it will cover religious exemptions from civil rights law, prayer in public schools, school funding decisions, and ways in which rhetoric about religious freedom can affect case outcomes. Both of the speakers have substantial expertise working with (and representing) local governments, and will aim to provide useful guidance to lawyers seeking to navigate the Supreme Court’s rapid transformation of the First Amendment
Speaker: Joshua Matz & Richard Schragger

Code Enforcement Webinar
2023-06-29 13:00 - 14:00
Regulating Short-Term Rentals
Where we’ve been and where we can go. This presentation will discuss lessons learned and recent trends related to regulating short-term rentals (STRs). This includes the application of the dormant commerce clause, due process, equal protection, and takings provisions of the Constitution; and the role of zoning tools, regulating platforms, and business regulations in improving compliance. Lastly, this presentation will consider what success looks like.
Speaker: Patricia “Trish” Link & Ashley J. Becnel

Local Government Legal Center Supreme Court Review Webinar - This is not an IMLA Webinar
2023-07-11 13:00 - 14:00
Supreme Court Review for Local Governments: 2022-2023 Term

This is NOT an IMLA webinar and CLE will not be offered by IMLA.
Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the Supreme Court’s important decisions of the term impacting local governments. The Supreme Court will rule on several monumental cases this term, including on issues related to:

Whether the First Amendment allows for exceptions to anti- discrimination ordinances,
The Independent State Legislature Theory,
A new test for Waters of the United States,
An important Title VII / employment law case,
And more.

The LGLC is a coalition of national local government organizations formed in 2023 by the National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC) and International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) to provide education to local governments regarding the Supreme Court and its impact on local governments and local officials and to advocate for local government positions at the Supreme Court in appropriate cases. Learn more.
Speakers: Aileen McGrath & John Korzen
Moderator: Erich Eiselt, IMLA’s Assistant General Counsel

Historic Preservation Webinar
2023-07-20 13:00 - 14:00
Trends in Local and Federal Historic Preservation Law
This seminar will delve into municipalities’ powers to regulate and protect historic properties. Highlighting new research covering the 11% of municipalities with local preservation ordinances, the seminar will outline the scope of this expanding regulatory sphere. Then the presenters will explain how municipalities may become federally-recognized “certified local governments” and play a role in federal historic preservation review processes, with a focus on Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Finally, they will discuss recent federal guidance influencing local policymaking.
Speaker: Sara Bronin & Kelly Fanizzo

Legal Writing Webinar
2023-08-01 13:00 - 14:00
The Optimal Amount of Advocacy
Figuring out the optimal level of advocacy can be tricky, especially when you write. You don’t want to oversell your case. But you don’t want to undersell it either. This workshop will give you a number of tips and techniques you can use to find your own sweet spot of persuasion.
Speaker: Patrick Barry

Mental Health Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-08-03 13:00 - 14:00
Mental Health: Maintaining Wellbeing While Negotiating Conflicting Interests
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
How do municipal lawyers manage their mental health and maintain their wellbeing, while balancing their responsibilities? This program will discuss the challenges of managing mental wellbeing while maintaining ethical responsibilities in the unique position that many municipal attorneys need to navigate on a daily basis. We will explore practical techniques for setting boundaries without compromising career growth, mindfulness practices to reduce stress, enhancing decision-making and communication for improved inclusion, and leveraging benefits to enhance overall wellbeing.
Speaker: Diane O’Connell

Police Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-08-08 13:00 - 14:00
Why Didn’t They Just Shoot The Gun Out of His Hand? Defending Police Uses of Force in The Era of BWC & Cell Phone Videos
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
In popular culture, fictionalized versions of police encounters often depict officers flawlessly shooting a gun out of a suspect’s hand. However, it is crucial to address the unrealistic nature of such scenarios in real-life law enforcement. This webinar aims to shed light on key topics, including the impact of life-and-death situational stress, the training officers receive, and the limitations of video evidence captured by body-worn cameras (BWC) and cell phones. By understanding these critical aspects, municipal attorneys can effectively convey accurate and informed messages to jurors, judges, insurance adjusters, and the general public.
Speaker: Beth Mohr

Animal Law Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-08-15 13:00 - 14:00
Best Practices for City Ordinances Related to Animals
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
The presentation will provide sound and up-to-date guidance on ensuring that animal-related ordinances are in line with current case law. The presentation will assist cities and counties in preparing their respective animal-related ordinances before legal action occurs. The presentation will provide basic ordinance guidelines and tips, as well as more specific guidance on ordinances related to dangerous dog determinations, aggressive animals, ownership, leash laws, and tethering. Several of the examples in the presentation will be related to Texas, however the presentation generally applies across all jurisdictions, based upon specific case law respective to each.
Speaker: Robyn Katz

Code Enforcement Webinar
2023-08-17 13:00 - 14:00
Creating More Livable Communities with Form-Based Codes
Understanding form-based codes is important for lawyers involved in land development as they offer a tool for achieving urban planning goals and creating more livable communities. This presentation will discuss the use of form-based codes in regulating land development to achieve a specific urban form. The webinar will also discuss how these codes prioritize physical form over land use, promoting predictable built results and a high-quality public realm through municipal regulations using examples of form-based code such as Miami 21 to illustrate the effectiveness of form-based codes along with other topics to be discussed.
Speaker: Chad Friedman

Employment Law Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-08-22 13:00 - 14:00
Proper Classification of Workers – Avoiding Potential Pitfalls in a Tight Labor Market
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
With the ongoing labor shortage, businesses may be tempted to explore alternative worker arrangements, such as engaging independent contractors. This session will cover the complex landscape of worker classification rules at the state, federal, and local levels. Gain valuable insights from recent litigation, specifically examining how these rules are affected during changes in administration.
Speaker: Trina Chernos

Signs and Free Speech Webinar
2023-08-24 13:00 - 14:00
Regulating Signs & Billboards after Austin v. Reagan
In 2022, Austin v. Reagan reaffirmed the ability of your community to regulate on-premises and off-premises signs (billboards), and to regulate commercial speech differently from non-commercial speech. While Austin moderates some of its impact, the 2015 Reed v. Town of Gilbert content neutrality framework remains largely in place. It constrains how communities deal with temporary signs, and continues to require a high degree of rigor in drafting.
This webinar includes a panel of experts who will describe the latest developments and how Austin and subsequent cases affect best practices for city sign regulations. Communities interested in ensuring that they have constitutionally-compliant sign ordinances will want to attend.
Speaker: Susan L. Trevarthen, Mark White & David Hickey

Construction Webinar
2023-08-29 13:00 - 14:00
Alternative Project Delivery in Public Construction: Dissecting the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Contract and Best Practices
This program will introduce municipal counsel to key differences in procurement, contract drafting, contract and claims administration and liability for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery. CMAR contracts are emerging on the municipal construction landscape as valuable tools in the public owner’s toolbelt. As public owners turn to these project delivery models, municipal officials will turn to municipal counsel for answers. Learn both the subtle and gaping differences in the procurement and contract models, since this is not your grandparent’s low bid procurement. Program participants will learn effective two-step procurements for CMAR, best-value procurement and how to protect your municipality with tried and tested revisions to standard form industry contracts. The program wraps up with our signature “Traps for the Unwary.
Speaker: Steven “Tip” Torres

Environment Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-09-05 13:00 - 14:00
Municipalities and the Environment: New challenges and opportunities
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
Join experienced environmental law practitioner Rich Glaze in this webinar as he explores new challenges and opportunities for municipalities in environmental regulation, including compliance under the Biden administration, EPA Brownfield Grants, and current legal issues surrounding PFAS and emerging contaminants in areas such as airports, wastewater treatment, and drinking water. Rich’s extensive experience in defending companies, municipalities, and individuals in environmental law matters makes this webinar a valuable resource for attorneys that practice municipal law.
Speaker: Rich Glaze

Local Government Legal Center Supreme Court Review Webinar
2023-10-31 13:00 - 14:00
Supreme Court Preview for Local Governments: 2023-2024 Term
This is NOT an IMLA webinar and CLE will not be offered by IMLA. Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the new Supreme Court term and what decisions local governments should watch. The Supreme Court will rule on several major cases this term, including on issues related to:

A possible new standard for employment liability under Title VII;
Whether a public official’s social media account can constitute state action for the purposes of the First Amendment;
Whether the Supreme Court should overrule Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, which relates to deference that courts should provide administrative agencies; and
Whether firearm regulations prohibiting individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders violate the Second Amendment

The LGLC is a coalition of national local government organizations formed in 2023 by the National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC), International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) to provide education to local governments regarding the Supreme Court and its impact on local governments and local officials and to advocate for local government positions at the Supreme Court in appropriate cases. Learn more.
Speaker: Michelle Kallen & Robert Loeb
Moderator: Erich Eiselt, IMLA’s Deputy General Counsel

Land Use Webinar
2023-11-02 13:00 - 14:00
Drafting Short-Term Rental Regulations
Regulating short-term rentals has become a significant issue for municipalities throughout the United States. In Texas, traditional ordinances governing land use and zoning do not always provide adequate regulations to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods amid an influx of short-term rental uses. When trying to regulate these uses, the priorities of local governments and residents have clashed with certain rights and interests of property owners and rental occupants. In the absence of definitive legislative or judicial guidance, drafting short-term rental regulations becomes a balancing act. This presentation will discuss approaches to drafting short-term rental regulations that balance those competing concerns and solve problems instead of creating further issues.
Speaker: Rachel Raggio

Technology Webinar
2023-11-07 13:00 - 14:00
Artificial Intelligence with Real Consequences: A Government Lawyer’s Survival Guide of Navigating the Brave New World
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize the way in which governments work. AI-powered tools are already being used to review documents, conduct legal research, and write descriptions for webinars. However, the adoption of AI also comes with many risks, such as misinformation, bias, and discrimination. This webinar will explore the legal, ethical, and practical risks of AI adoption in government and will also discuss the possible solutions to these risks.
Speaker: Andrew B. Dunkiel

Climate Change Webinar
2023-11-14 13:00 - 14:00
The Climate Change Litigation and Municipalities as Plaintiffs
Municipalities are often defendants in court, but increasingly they have become plaintiffs, suing a variety of industries and seeking remedies for city-wide injuries that also further public-policy goals. The climate-change litigation provides a prism for understanding how state law can provide some of the tools for this type of litigation and the types of roadblocks defendants throw up to reliance on state law through removal to federal court and the use of federal-officer removal to mount appeals that can delay proceeding to the merits. With cases now pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, the litigation has the potential to establish a clearer path for municipalities as plaintiffs.
Speaker: Robert Peck

Protests and First Amendment Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-11-16 13:00 - 14:00
Protest and Demonstration Permits
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
A presentation discussing key considerations for governmental entities creating regulations that require permits for public protests and demonstrations. The webinar will cover the First Amendment standards for prior restraints – including strict scrutiny, intermediate scrutiny, limiting the discretion of government officials, justifications supporting the regulation, narrowly tailoring the permit requirements, content neutrality, and permit conditions.
Speaker: Ian Williams

DEI Webinar
2023-11-28 13:00 - 14:00
Governing with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as Fundamental Principles
Addressing community issues such as lack of access to affordable housing and infrastructure, economic and health disparities, sustainability, and systemic racism requires sound legal advice. Best practices include creating an environment where creative solutions to social issues are valued and respected and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental principles. This discussion will include DEI policies and state preemptions surrounding these policies, including structural racism initiatives; anti-LGBTQ+ legislation; environmental, social and governance limitations; and the resulting protests surrounding these issues.
Speaker: Jeannine S. Williams

Negotiations Webinar
2023-11-30 13:00 - 14:00
The Three Barriers to Resolution
Have you ever listened like a cow? Predicted United Nations membership? Determined how to make an offer? In this session you will learn how issues in understanding, planning, and executing negotiations creates barriers to reaching resolution. Immediate Past Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and University of North Dakota Law Dean Brian Pappas will provide the exercises and information that will give you new tools and ideas for making your next negotiation a success.
Speaker: Brian Pappas

Free Speech Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-12-07 13:00 - 14:00
First Amendment Audits – How to Handle and Protect Against Liability
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
There has been an increase in private citizens, known as First Amendment Auditors, engaging in activities against local governments designed to provoke a response that violates the First Amendment. First Amendment audits typically involve an individual photographing or filming his or her surroundings from a public space, and is often categorized by its practitioners as activism and citizen journalism designed to test whether local government officials will uphold the auditor’s constitutional rights – including the right to photograph and video record in a public space. There is a growing consensus of federal Courts of Appeals holding that the First Amendment generally protects the rights of citizens to film or record public officials, including police officers, performing their duties in public. However, the right to film is not absolute, as it is subject to a reasonable time, place and manner restriction. It is important for local governments to understand the rights involved and how to distinguish protected behavior from unprotected behavior, so as to ensure these matters are appropriately handled by local government officials in order to limit potential liability.
Speaker: James Benjamin & Bambi Glenn

Ethics Webinar
2023-12-08 13:00 - 14:00
My Client, My Enemy? Ethical Challenges When Representing Cities
This presentation will discuss ABA Rules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.7 when discussing the challenges faced with representing cities. Rule 1.3 addresses organizations as clients, and Comment 1 touches upon entities acting through their officers, directors, etc. Complexities arise when Rule 1.1 calls for competent representation and the need to abide by client decisions under Rule 1.2, but individual city officers find themselves in positions contrary to the city they serve. Rule 1.7 provides guidance on Conflicts of Interest. Rule 1.3 requires lawyers dealing with a city’s officers to explain the nature of the relationship and address when interests diverge. This presentation will provide a variety of scenarios and pose hypothetical questions illustrating these points.
Speaker: Alan Bojorquez

General Webinar
2023-12-14 13:00 - 14:00
Local Government Attorney Essentials
Local Government attorneys need to handle a wide variety of legal responsibilities, some unique to local government. The number of issues and topics requiring legal proficiency can be overwhelming. This presentation will help city and county attorneys develop a plan for navigating their initiation into local government law. While this webinar is designed for attorneys who are new to local government, experienced local government attorneys can also benefit from a review of the basics of municipal law.
Speaker: Roger Horner

First Amendment & Public Comment Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-12-15 13:00 - 14:00
Public Comment – The Good, The Bad, and The Legal
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
As Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) from the show Parks and Rec humorously stated: “What I hear when I’m being yelled at [during a public meeting] is people caring loudly at me.” This presentation will explore the benefits of public comment, some of the issues commonly associated with public comment, and what you can do to address those issues.
Speaker: Randall Van Vleck & Todd Sheeran

Police Webinar
2023-12-19 13:00 - 14:00
Managing Risk by Embedding Mental Health Co-responders in Police Departments
As communities across the country continue to examine ways to improve outcomes and reduce the costs of interactions between police officers and individuals experiencing mental illness, many have adopted a risk management approach. This presentation will examine the potential benefits of embedding mental health co-responders within police departments. The potential benefits include increasing the safety of those involved in such encounters; helping ensure that people experiencing mental illness are directed to the most appropriate resources; decreasing the number of police encounters with such individuals; reducing the costs associated with these encounters (including litigation costs); and improving the speed with which problems associated with these encounters are solved.
Speaker: Doug Hoffer

Mental Health and Wellness Webinar - Free Live For IMLA Members
2023-12-21 13:00 - 14:00
Sleep, Neuroscience, and Ethics
CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
Sleep impairment impacts all aspects of client representation, including competence, focus, diligence, decision-making, effective client communication, and case management. Sleep deprivation predicts lawyer misconduct by increasing anxiety, interrupting working memory, and impairing effective executive thinking. This program provides the latest neuroscience behind sleep, and its impact on mental health, substance use, ethical behavior, and performance.
Speaker: Joan Bibelhausen, JD & Robin Wolpert, Esq,

Personnel Webinar
2023-12-26 13:00 - 14:00
What to Expect When They are Expecting: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
This webinar will cover topics including rollout of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”). The PWFA was effective June 27, 2023; the EEOC’s 275 pages of Proposed Regulations were published about 5 weeks later, on August 11, 2023. The PWFA requires the EEOC to issue final regulations by December 29, 2023. Be ready for this happy event!
Speaker: Robin Cross

Employment Law Webinar
2024-01-09 13:00 - 14:00
Are You Ready for This Year’s Employment Law Challenges?
New employment laws and recent decisions include everything from the new Pregnancy Fairness Act, the Supreme Court’s recent expansion of the rights of religious employees to reasonable accommodation and using AI in the workplace. If ensuring compliance with those was not enough, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor are now expected to implement a slew of worker-friendly priorities. This webinar will address the significant labor and employment law developments that are, and will be, affecting your operations and the landscape of employment law.
Speaker: Jonathan Mook & Robin Cross

Land Use Webinar
2024-01-11 13:00 - 14:00
Land Use 101
Join experienced land use and local government law practitioner David Warner in this webinar as he explores property rights, regulation of private property, planning, zoning, subdivisions and other modern legal issues in land use law. For those new to land use law, this is a primer on the up-to-date basics you need to know to spot issues and to determine the appropriate course of action. For the experienced practitioner, this presentation not only serves as a refresher course, but also includes new points of law that have developed in recent years, which impact the basics.
Speaker: David Warner
