Foster Swift has a reputation as one of the premier municipal law firms in Michigan. Our lawyers regularly represent townships, cities, villages, counties and libraries in many different roles. We are actively involved in the Michigan Townships Association and the Michigan Municipal League, and our lawyers have been deeply involved in municipal issues for decades. Some of our municipal practice specialties include:
- Ordinance drafting and enforcement
- Land use, zoning and land division
- Election law issues, millage elections, and ballot language
- Annexation defense and detachment representation
- Property taxes and Tax Tribunal proceedings
- Development and extension of municipal sewer and water systems
- Municipal finance, special assessments, installment purchases, and bond issuer's counsel
- First Amendment questions and privacy issues
- Labor relations and employment law
- Environmental regulation and compliance
- Utility franchises and telecommunications
- Contracts, licensing issues and operating policies
- Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act issues
- Creation and representation of municipal authorities
Our firm is on the cutting edge of municipal law. Our monthly publications keep our clients up-to-date on new developments in municipal law. Several of our lawyers are acknowledged municipal law experts that are frequently called upon to teach at education programs for municipal officials and other municipal lawyers.
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Represented Municipality in Suit by Plaintiff Seeking to Develop a Manufactured Housing Community
Court Rejects Constitutional Challenges to Township’s Rezoning Denial
Michigan Supreme Court Rejects Exclusionary Zoning Claims Since Developer Did Not Seek Rezoning Or A Variance
No Exclusionary Zoning Where Township Once Had Land Use But That Use Is Not in the Township Due to City Annexation
Gained a Security of Approval for a Large Agricultural Entity
Successfully Defended a Township
Argued for Variance in Zoning Ordinance to be Awarded by Local Municipality
Represented Municipality Against Developers Seeking Mobile Home Park and Damages Over $10,000,000
Successful Defense Against Appeal of Variance from Township Zoning Board
Special Assessment Appeal: Leelanau Township/Village of Northport
Developed Contracts for Concession Agreement Regarding Water and Waste Water
