Public Agency & Administration Law

Creative, efficient legal counsel for public agencies

Growing population centers. Changing, multifaceted infrastructure needs. Today’s public agencies face new challenges and opportunities. Brownstein’s seasoned, multidisciplinary team assists public agencies in leveraging these opportunities and overcoming roadblocks in order to provide the best service possible to residents.

We’re creative problem solvers with the ability to tackle complex issues in a cost-efficient manner. Understanding the financial constraints under which many public agencies must operate, we approach your concerns using customized teams to address the particular issue at stake. Cities, counties, redevelopment authorities, regional agencies and special districts rely on the Brownstein Public Agency and Administrative Law team for general counsel on public policy issues and as special counsel on transactional and litigation matters. Our aptitude for public infrastructure projects means we wade through the regulatory requirements to get your project across the finish line. We are the asset you need to allow you to focus on serving your constituents.

Guiding Water Supply on the Central Coast

We serve as counsel to the Central Coast Water Authority, a joint powers authority comprised of eight public agencies, that delivers imported State Water Project water to water providers and end users serving more than 80% of Santa Barbara County and also contracting parties in San Luis Obispo County. The Authority also owns and operates the delivery and treatment facilities that make State Water Project water available to California’s central coast. Brownstein advises the board and staff on public agency matters, including compliance with open meeting, state and federal laws, the Public Records Act, CEQA and conflicts. We represent the Authority in public agency meetings, transactions with the California Department of Water Resources and the county regarding the implementation of a long-term water supply contract, as a member of the State Water Contractors, and in litigation.