Local Government

ZRFM cost effectively represents public entities (counties, municipalities and special districts) in a variety of capacities, from general counsel to special counsel. In important ways, local governments are like other businesses, facing increasingly frequent employment disputes, construction headaches, vendor contracts, labor negotiations, land use matters, and health care and other insurance issues.

Unlike most other businesses, however, local governments are governed by a myriad of seemingly overlapping statutes and regulations. ZRFM’s attorneys know the “business” of local government from top to bottom.

We have experience in every facet of local governmental operations, from ordinance preparation, finance, construction, impact fees and special assessments, TIFs, zoning and development, police and fire commissions, litigation, employment matters including personnel policies, workers’ compensation, civil rights, employment discrimination, ADA compliance and labor contracts, FMLA and FLSA compliance, real estate acquisition and eminent domain proceedings.

ZRFM represents governmental entities, as well as individuals, developers and other private entities in a multitude of land use matters. Our experience representing parties to annexation, rezoning, conditional use, variation, and subdivision matters allows us to bring a unique understanding and comprehensive perspective to our representation in land use matters.

Local Government Links

Municipal Law Newsletters:

Municipal Matters, Summer 2011

  • How electric power aggregation can lower electrical costs
  • How the Illinois Civil Union Act affects employers
  • Annual treasurer’s report 2011 legislation

Municipal Matters, Spring 2011

  • Summaries of Illinois legislation taking effect in 2011
  • The use of facsimile signatures
  • Amendment to Illinois Open Meetings Act

Municipal Matters, Fall 2010

  • Employer social media policies
  • Update on Illinois Public Safety Employee Benefits Act
  • Political campaign sign restrictions

Municipal Matters, Spring 2010

  • Expansion of Illinois Public Safety Employee Benefits Act
  • Objection petitions involving Special Service Area (“SSA”) ordinances
  • Illinois Labor Relations Board procedural changes

Municipal Matters, Summer 2009

  • 2009 Illinois Freedom of Information Act amendments

Municipal Matters, Spring 2009

  • Summary of ethics and conflicts of interest for  elected officials

Municipal Matters, Winter 2009

  • Guidance on Open Meetings Act requirements for closed sessions
  • Illinois Building Code Violation Notice Posting Act
  • Important local government deadlines to remember

Municipal Matters, Fall 2008

  • Part II: The Illinois Sunshine Laws — The Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act

Municipal Matters, Summer 2008

  • Part I: The Illinois Sunshine Laws — The Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act
  • Public hearings and vending machine license fee increases

Municipal Matters, Spring 2008

  • Municipal government strategies for disposing of lost or abandoned property

Municipal Matters, Winter 2008

  • How storm water utilities can fund storm water management improvements