Special districts are tasked with providing state and local water, wastewater, transportation, electric and other public services while confronting drought, climate change and other challenges under heightened regulatory scrutiny at the state level.
With one of California’s most extensive practices, Best Best & Krieger LLP provides comprehensive legal counsel services to special districts and all other types of public agencies. In fact, we have the largest full-service public agency practice in the state and a reputation as a leader in the field.
- BB&K represents all types of special districts including:
- Local agency formation commissions (LAFCOs)
- Regional councils of governments
- Water districts and agencies
- Transportation
- Joint powers authorities
- Multi-species habitat conservation agencies
- Sanitation, wastewater, community services districts
- Fire protection, park and recreation, hospital and resource conversation districts
- We also advise private developers and landowners, mutual (private) water companies and privately owned entities such as wind, solar and other renewable, green and sustainable energy companies.
Comprehensive Service
All matters involving special district services, operations, administration and regulation are handled by our team. These range from district formation, service area overlap and consolidation issues, policy matters and regulatory concerns to employment and labor disputes; real estate acquisitions, development and disposition; public works projects; land use and construction issues.
We offer guidance on public agency governance, including the Ralph M. Brown Act (open meeting law), the Political Reform Act, Public Records Act requirements, conflicts of interest and other procedural matters. Agencies rely on us to advise on everything from the introduction and adoption of minute orders, resolutions and ordinances through the timing and structure of public hearings, presentations to the public, and elections.
Recognized as the foremost authority on water law, we are general and special counsel to dozens of water agencies throughout California, advising on allocating scarce water supplies, and acquiring, developing and maintaining surface and groundwater rights.
Our special counsel services include:
- Public contracts and bidding
- Infrastructure construction projects
- Financing as lead bond counsel, special counsel or underwriter’s/disclosure counsel
- Adoption, levy and defense of taxes, assessments and fees and charges
- Employment and labor issues
- Design and implementation of nonqualified deferred-compensation plans
- Permitting, approvals and compliance with the full range of environmental restrictions in large-scale public and public-private development
- Alternative and renewable energy projects involving solar, geothermal and wind power
- Environmental impact analysis, including climate change and global warming, and developing “green” standards for building, landscaping and public contracts
Additionally, we appear on behalf of clients before regulatory bodies and assert and defend their interests in courts at all levels.
Election Law Resource Center
BB&K’s Election Law Resource Center gives California cities the Vote of Confidence they need to ensure legal compliance with all aspects of local elections. This unique service includes:
- A digital copy of BB&K’s Election Law Toolkit
- Email and telephone hotline
Get Your Vote of Confidence
Press Releases Jul 28, 2021
Partner Amy Hoyt Selected for Leadership Riverside Class of 2022
Graduates of Leadership Riverside go on to advocate for betterment of Riverside
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 20, 2021
ARPA Guidance for Municipalities
Six Main Categories for Recipients, Writes Attorneys Ana Schwab, Andre Monette and Gerard Lavery Lederer in PublicCEO
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 08, 2021
Real Estate Acquisitions for Public Agencies: Do Your Homework!
Thorough, Fact-finding Due Diligence Mitigates Risks, Writes Real Estate Attorney Nancy Park in PublicCEO
Press Releases Jul 07, 2021
Seven BB&K Attorneys Named 2021 Northern California Super Lawyers
Attorneys Honored by Legal Industry
Authored Articles & Publications Jun 29, 2021
Ransomware Prevention and Response Tips for Public Agencies
As Cities, Utilities and Others Increasingly Become Targeted, Privacy & Cybersecurity Partner Leeann Habte Gives Guidance in PublicCEO
Press Releases Jun 25, 2021
BB&K One of the 200 Largest Law Firms in the U.S.
National Law Journal Also Gives High Rankings for Number of Women Attorneys
Legal Alerts Jun 24, 2021
EPA Publishes Instructions for Water Utilities to Obtain Chemicals in Short Supply
Water Agencies Can Obtain Priority to Chlorine and Other Chemicals
Free Webinar Jun 23, 2021
Now That You Have ARPA Funds – What’s Next?
BB&K Free Webinar
Press Releases May 28, 2021
BB&K Ranked No. 12 in U.S. on Diversity Scorecard
The American Lawyer Gave Firm High Rankings for Minority Equity Partners and Hispanic Attorneys
Press Releases May 24, 2021
San Diego Magazine Recognizes Three BB&K Partners as Top Lawyers
Annual List Honors Attorneys for Ethics and Professional Excellence
Legal Alerts May 10, 2021
U.S. Treasury Releases Guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Six Ways the Funds Can be Used
Authored Articles & Publications May 07, 2021
Don’t Book That Flight Yet! California City Officials Have Voting District Deadlines
Election Law Partner Scott Smith Discusses Redistricting Requirements in Western City Magazine
Press Releases Apr 21, 2021
Shawn Hagerty Named a San Diego Best Attorney 2021
Annual San Diego Metro Magazine List Includes BB&K Partner
BB&K In the News Apr 20, 2021
Legal Analysis Reports Following Groundwater Pumping Decision
Daily Journal and Law360 Go In-Depth on BB&K Antelope Valley Groundwater Adjudication Success
Event Apr 14, 2021
Rate Setting Under Propositions 218 and 26
California Special Districts Association Virtual Workshop
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 13, 2021
Court Grants Attorneys' Fees Against City in Development Litigation
CEQA Appellate Court Decision Analyzed by BB&K's Amanda Daams in PublicCEO
Press Releases Mar 30, 2021
Latino Leader Worth Watching: BB&K Partner Ruben Duran
Municipal Law Attorney Recognized by Profiles in Diversity Journal
Legal Alerts Mar 25, 2021
Appellate Decisions Limiting Groundwater Pumping in an Overdrafted Basin
Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin Adjudication
Client Successes Mar 17, 2021
BB&K Secures Key Groundwater Pumping Rights Ruling
Decision in Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin Adjudication First of its Kind
Legal Alerts Mar 11, 2021
COVID-19 Relief Package Provides Substantial Aid to States, Counties and Cities
$1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Federal Relief Package – American Rescue Plan Act
Free Webinar Feb 18, 2021
2021 Public Records Act Legislative Update
BB&K Free Webinar
Event Feb 16, 2021
Government Utility Rate Setting and Propositions 218 and 26 in Times of Uncertainty
California Society of Municipal Finance Officers' 2021 Annual Conference
Press Releases Feb 10, 2021
BB&K Announces Election Law Practice Expansion and New Client Services
A “Toolkit” and Hotline Among New Offerings
Press Releases Feb 03, 2021
BB&K Office Makes Sacramento Top 10 Law Firm
Sacramento Business Journal’s Annual Law Firm Rankings
Legal Alerts Feb 03, 2021
Court Provides Guidance in Applying “Racially Polarized Voting” Analysis to a California Voting Rights Act Challenge
Court of Appeal Decision in Yumori-Kaku et al. v. City of Santa Clara
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 01, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions About New Social Media and Open Meeting Laws
BB&K’s HongDao Nguyen and Albert Maldonado Answer Public Officials’ Questions on AB 992 on the CSDA Blog
Press Releases Jan 28, 2021
ARC: Advanced Records Center’s Christine Wood Named a Top Minority Attorney by L.A. Business Journal
A Trusted Advisor in the Business of Public Service
Press Releases Jan 26, 2021
Six BB&K Attorneys Make Southern California Super Lawyers List
BB&K Attorneys Spanning Across Los Angeles and Irvine Receive 2021 Honor
Legal Alerts Jan 25, 2021
Redistricting in California
What Public Agencies Must Know Ahead of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Data Release
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 20, 2021
Public Record Costs
Director of PRA Services and e-Discovery Counsel Christine Wood Discusses National Lawyers Guild v. City of Hayward in Sacramento Magazine
Legal Alerts Jan 19, 2021
Elected Officials Entitled to Some, Not All, Public Agency Records
Access Depends on if Record Request is from “Elected Official” or “Member of the Public”
Legal Alerts Jan 14, 2021
Wage & Hour, Leave and Other New Laws for California Employers
Part 2: New Labor & Employment Laws for Businesses and Public Agencies in 2021
Legal Alerts Jan 13, 2021
COVID-19 Laws Impacting California Employers
Part 1: New Labor & Employment Laws for Businesses and Public Agencies in 2021
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 08, 2021
Best in Law: Protecting Privacy on COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps
Glen Price Discusses Privacy Issues Around COVID-19 CA Notify App and Others
Legal Alerts Jan 07, 2021
California Public Records Act Update
New CPRA Case Law and Legislation for 2021
Legal Alerts Jan 06, 2021
Court Confirms FPPC's Authority to Punish Public Agencies That Spend Undisclosed Public Money to Influence Voters at Elections
California Trial Court Rules on Campaign-Related Public Spending
Legal Alerts Jan 06, 2021
Housing and Environmental New Laws
Part 2: New Laws Impacting California Public Agencies for 2021
Legal Alerts Jan 05, 2021
New Public Agency Laws on Safety, Finance, Contracting and More
Part 1: New Laws Impacting California Public Agencies for 2021
Press Releases Jan 04, 2021
New Partner, Leaders and Diversity Committee
BB&K Announces Changes for 2021
BB&K In the News Dec 28, 2020
Historic Cemetery Land Dispute
Media Reports on BB&K Attorneys Mark Velasquez Efforts to Identify Graves and Next of Kin
Authored Articles & Publications Dec 28, 2020
Partner Jack Clarke Honors Colleague John Brown
Riverside Lawyer Magazine Feature on Brown, the Krieger Meritorious Service Award Winner
Legal Alerts Dec 21, 2020
Special Taxes by Voter Initiative Only Require Majority Voter Approval
For the Second Time This Year, California Appellate Court Upholds Voting Requirement
Legal Alerts Dec 17, 2020
Taxpayer Actions Can be Used to Challenge Government Contracts Even After Contract Completion
California Court of Appeal Decision in School District Case Applies to Public Agencies
Legal Alerts Dec 16, 2020
New Surplus Land Act Requirements to Take Effect Jan. 1
California Public Agencies Impacted by AB 1486 Mandates
Legal Alerts Dec 14, 2020
New Tribal Consultation Process for Multi-Family Housing
California’s AB 168 Adds Requirements to Approval Process
Legal Alerts Dec 10, 2020
EPA Issues Guidance on Groundwater Releases in Wake of Maui v. Hawai’i Wildlife Fund
Clarity Provided for New “Functional Equivalent” Test
BB&K In the News Dec 03, 2020
BB&K Partner Ryan Baron Advising Calif. Cities on CCA Energy Path
Orange County Cities Seeking Guidance, According to News Reports
Legal Alerts Dec 01, 2020
SB 1383 Regulations on Organic Waste are Finalized
Local Government Agencies Should Begin Preparing for Jan. 1, 2022 Effective Date
Legal Alerts Nov 30, 2020
FPPC Finds Potential Conflict of Interest Based on Elected Officials’ Spouses’ Positions
The Spouses Work at Health Care Facilities that Compete with Project Under City Council Consideration
Event Nov 20, 2020
California Land Use Law & Policy Conference 2020
Argent Communications Group
BB&K Webinar Nov 18, 2020
Comments, Likes and Emojis, Oh My! An Update on Evolving Social Media Law for Public Officials and Agencies
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Nov 16, 2020
CPRA Requesters Could Pay Agency Costs to Store Emails
Requesters Must Post an Undertaking if Public Agency Will Suffer Certain Damages During Injunction Proceedings
BB&K Event Nov 09, 2020
AEP 2020 Virtual Conference
Association of Environmental Professionals
Press Releases Nov 05, 2020
BB&K’s 2021 Best Law Firms Rankings Include New Tier 1 Recognitions
Annual U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers List
Legal Alerts Oct 26, 2020
SLONs Authorization Extended for California Special Districts
Governor Approves AB 2107 to Allow for Securitized Limited Obligation Notes by Special Districts
Authored Articles & Publications Oct 20, 2020
Public Officials' New Social Media Open Meeting Law
California's AB 992 Analyzed in PublicCEO by BB&K's HongDao Nguyen and Albert Maldonado
Free Webinar Oct 15, 2020
AB 1234 Ethics Training (Oct. 15, 2020)
BB&K Workshop via Webinar
Press Releases Oct 08, 2020
Public Finance Partner Lutfi Kharuf Recognized As One of San Diego’s 40 Under 40
SD Metro Magazine Honors Young Professionals
Legal Alerts Sep 30, 2020
DOL Clarified the Federal Family First Coronavirus Response Act
New Rules and a Court Decision Followed the FFCRA’s Passage
Event Sep 29, 2020
CSDA Virtual Workshop: Rate Setting Under Propositions 218 & 26
California Special Districts Association
Legal Alerts Sep 29, 2020
SB 1383 Expands Calif. Family Rights Act
New Law Takes Effect Jan. 1
Press Releases Sep 28, 2020
Partner John E. Brown Receives James H. Krieger Meritorious Service Award
Riverside County Bar Association Honors Long-Term Community Service
Legal Alerts Sep 24, 2020
Western Joshua Trees Receive Temporary Protection Under the California Endangered Species Act
Designation Impacts Local Ordinances and Developments Involving the Tree
Press Releases Sep 23, 2020
BB&K Partner Nancy Park is a Woman Worth Watching
Profiles in Diversity Journal Named the Business Practice Leader to its Annual List
Client Successes Sep 22, 2020
Nevada Water Rights Victory
BB&K Attorney Rod Walston Successful in Public Trust Doctrine Dispute in Nevada Supreme Court
Legal Alerts Sep 21, 2020
AB 992: Open Meeting Laws and Social Media
New California Law Addresses Prohibition on Serial Meetings on Social Media
BB&K Webinar Sep 17, 2020
Financing Options and Strategies for Groundwater Sustainability Plan Development
BB&K Free Webinar
Press Releases Sep 15, 2020
BB&K Receives High Ranks for Law Firm Diversity
Firm Leadership Renews Commitment to Supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Press Releases Sep 11, 2020
BB&K Attorney Nicholaus Norvell Named a Top 40 Under 40 in San Diego
San Diego Daily Transcript Recognizes Young Professionals
Legal Alerts Sep 10, 2020
Critical Habitat Designation Regulation Change Proposed
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Proposes New Rule Regarding Exclusion of Lands from Critical Habitat for Federally Listed Species
Press Releases Sep 09, 2020
Rio Plaza Elementary Students Received Donated Backpacks Filled with Supplies
BB&K’s Annual Operation Backpack Help Students Learn at Home
Legal Alerts Sep 08, 2020
DWR Releases Draft Guidebook for 2020 Urban Water Management Plans
Stakeholders Have Until Sept. 21 to Review and Comment
Legal Alerts Sep 02, 2020
New Filing Requirements for CEQA Documents
Significant Changes begin Nov. 3
Legal Alerts Sep 01, 2020
California Supreme Court Clarifies Ministerial vs. Discretionary Actions Under CEQA for Well Construction Permits
Decision in Protecting Our Water and Environmental Resources v. County of Stanislaus Case
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 01, 2020
City Officials Must Be Neutral & Unbiased
PublicCEO Article Examines California Precedent-Setting Bias Tainting Decision
Legal Alerts Aug 25, 2020
“You Can’t Stand in the Way of Progress”
California Appellate Court Says Public Utility Must Pay to Relocate Pipelines to Make Way for Public Transportation Project
Legal Alerts Aug 06, 2020
Local Utility Charges Cannot Be Challenged by Referendum
Calif. Supreme Court Decision in Wilde v. City of Dunsmuir
Press Releases Jul 31, 2020
San Diego Business Journal Top Law Firm 2020
BB&K Remains in the Top 25 of the Annual Ranking
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 27, 2020
The CCPA's Impact on Public Agencies
BB&K's Gregg Kettles Writes About the California Consumer Privacy Act in PublicCEO
BB&K Webinar Jul 15, 2020
AB 1234 Ethics Training (July 15, 2020)
BB&K Webinar
Press Releases Jul 10, 2020
Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2020
BB&K Attorneys Honored by Legal Industry
Legal Alerts Jul 07, 2020
A Toll Increase for Toll Bridge is Not a Tax Increase
California Appellate Court Says Toll is a Fee to Use Government Property, Exempt from Tax Definition
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 06, 2020
COVID-19 Orders: Government Takings?
In Law360, BB&K's Gene Tanaka and Emily Chaidez Evaluate if COVID-19 Orders are Temporary Takings
Legal Alerts Jun 24, 2020
Coronavirus Relief Funds Can Be Used for FEMA Public Assistance Cost Share
Public Agencies Should Be Aware of Requirements
BB&K Webinar Jun 11, 2020
Reopening During the Coronavirus Pandemic: How to Serve the Public and Avoid Liability
Free Webinar
Authored Articles & Publications Jun 10, 2020
E-Discovery and Public Records Lessons from California Supreme Court
BB&K's Annie Loo Provides Analysis in Association of E-Discovery Certified Specialists Blog
Authored Articles & Publications Jun 03, 2020
Investigatory Privilege and California Public Records Act Requests
It's the Information, Not the Record, that Must be Considered, Say BB&K's Christine Wood and Isaac Rosen in PublicCEO
Legal Alerts May 29, 2020
California Supreme Court: Government Cannot Charge Fee to Redact Police Body Camera Footage
California Public Records Act Provision Permitting Public Agencies to Charge for “Extraction” Analyzed
BB&K Webinar May 21, 2020
AB 1234 Ethics Training (May 21, 2020)
BB&K Webinar
Legal Alerts May 20, 2020
Update: California COVID-19 Readiness Criteria for County Variance on Reopening
More Counties to Potentially Qualify for a County Variance Under New Requirements
Event May 18, 2020
2020 Virtual Special Districts Legislative Days
California Special Districts Association
Legal Alerts May 12, 2020
California Applicant’s Briefings for COVID-19 FEMA Public Assistance Scheduled
Cal OES Providing Information via Live Webinars
Legal Alerts May 08, 2020
COVID-19: California to Begin Reopening Businesses
Resilience Roadmap Charts Course for Workplaces and Counties
Legal Alerts Apr 23, 2020
Fourth COVID-19 Federal Relief Package
Paycheck Protection Program, Small Business Administration Disaster Loans and Health Care Funding
Legal Alerts Apr 16, 2020
When is a Franchise Fee a Tax?
Franchise Fees Charged to Waste Hauler are Not a Tax if Reasonably Related to the Value of the Franchise
Legal Alerts Apr 03, 2020
COVID-19: Water Shutoff Moratorium for Homes and Critical Small Businesses
California Governor Restricts Water Supply Discontinuation for Non-Payment
Legal Alerts Mar 27, 2020
Third Federal Funding Bill Provides $2.2 Trillion for COVID-19 Impacts
The Legislation’s Key Provisions for Public Agencies and Local Governments
Legal Alerts Mar 20, 2020
COVID-19: Health Care Districts, Nonprofits and FEMA Emergency Assistance
What Costs May or May Not Be Eligible for Funding
Key Contacts
Related Services
- ARC: Advanced Records Center
- California Public Records Act
- Election Law
- Eminent Domain
- Energy
- Environmental Law & Natural Resources
- Fees, Taxes & Assessments
- General & Special Counsel
- Government Policy & Public Integrity
- Government Relations
- Health Care
- Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
- Police & Public Safety
- Privacy & Cybersecurity
- Public Agency Labor & Employment
- Public Agency Litigation
- Public Contracts & Construction
- Public Finance
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Real Estate
- Renewable Energy
- Telecommunications
- Transportation
- Water
- Water Quality
- Water Rights