Experience

Lobbying Representative Matters #3

  • In providing representation to a diverse number of local government jurisdictions, the firm has been directly involved in every major legislative policy discussion addressing the fiscal relationship between state and local government over the last several decades.  These issues include the allocation of tax revenues, land use planning, and funding of state-mandated public safety and health and welfare programs, including those recently realigned from the State to counties.  Important legislative successes include protection of local property tax revenues in excess of the amounts designated for schools or redevelopment projects.  In addition, Nielsen Merksamer has represented its client counties in successfully achieving legislative approval of budget allocations for local levee and water quality projects and establishing the restoration and preservation of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a state priority equal to the reliable conveyance of water to the State Water Project