ExperienceLocal Government

  • Nielsen Merksamer represents a number of local government entities in the California Legislature, including Contra Costa County, Marin County, Riverside County, San Diego County, Yolo County, the City of Visalia, and the City of Vernon.
  • On behalf of both private sector and  local government clients, and in concert with the California State Association of Counties, the firm has been involved in significant public safety issues, including the implementation of the realignment program transferring responsibility for certain state prisoners to county jails, development of programs for providing mental health and substance abuse services for those released from jail, and protection of the revenues available to counties for either incarceration or release to community-based programs.
  • In 2013, the firm worked closely with the Brown Administration and the California State Association of Counties on the structure for funding the expansion of the state’s Medi-Cal program pursuant to the Affordable Care Act. This work was built on the foundation of many years representing counties and other health care stakeholders in obtaining and maintaining funding streams for health care services.
  • In November 2010, the firm was co-author and counsel to the campaign in favor of Proposition 22, sponsored by the League of California Cities, the California Transit Association, and other local government interests; the measure amended Article XIII, § 24, of the California Constitution, designed to prohibit the State of California from borrowing or taxing funds used for transportation, redevelopment or local government projects and services.
  • In November 2004, the firm drafted and was counsel to the campaign in favor of Proposition 65, sponsored by a coalition of local government organizations, which would have amended the California Constitution to ensure that local property and sales tax revenues remained with local government entities to ensure funding for public safety, health, libraries, parks, and other local services. On behalf of the campaign, the firm negotiated an alternative legislative solution, which resulted in the enactment of Proposition 1A, amending Article XI, § 15, to protect local revenues.
  • In connection with our other representations, we are often called upon to advise clients regarding the requirements of state and local open meetings laws, laws governing access to public records, and other open government laws.