It is always time to do what is right
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It is always time to do what is right

The firm’s local government law philosophy is to work with elected and appointed officials and to provide a pathway to accomplishing the policy goals they set for their city or county while assuring they are in compliance with their city’s or county’s charter and state and federal law. Sometimes it’s very hard to do both….

Leading the Legislative and Legal Initiatives to Bring Brookhaven City Hall to Life
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Leading the Legislative and Legal Initiatives to Bring Brookhaven City Hall to Life

The City of Brookhaven undertook an unusual mechanism to fund infrastructure and construction of the 10 year old City’s first City Hall. By amending the Charter, the City Council clarified the apparent intent of the City’s Founders that only the taxes assessed to establish the City’s Annual General Fund budget were to be capped at…

International Municipal Lawyers Association Honors Chris Balch
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International Municipal Lawyers Association Honors Chris Balch

At this year’s International Municipal Lawyers Association conference in Portland, Oregon, Chris was thrilled and humbled to accept the Marvin J. Glink Private Practice Public Entity Attorney award, following a glowing speech by IMLA’s executive Director and General Counsel Amanda Karas. This award is established to honor the memory of Marvin J. Glink by recognizing…

Glink Private Practice Public Attorney Award Goes to Chris Balch
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Glink Private Practice Public Attorney Award Goes to Chris Balch

We’re thrilled and honored to announce that Christopher Balch is the 2022 recipient of the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) Glink Private Practice Public Attorney Award. The Award recognizes a lawyer specializing in the representation of local governments, but in private practice, for outstanding contributions to the field of public agency law by representation of…

The Positive Impact of Urban Redevelopment Authorities – Chris Balch in the AJC
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The Positive Impact of Urban Redevelopment Authorities – Chris Balch in the AJC

Brookhaven has discussed creating a URA for several years, City Attorney Chris Balch told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Redevelopment agencies create another financing option for developers, who can use them to access tax-free loans. In return, the redevelopment agency has negotiating power over how new projects look and feel. This can vary from the construction materials used in…

Chris Balch has been named a Georgia Super Lawyer for 2021
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Chris Balch has been named a Georgia Super Lawyer for 2021

Nominated by his clients and affirmed by his colleagues, Chris Balch has been named a Georgia Super Lawyer for 2021. This recognition is made for the quality of the advocacy and dedication to client success Chris has demonstrated throughout his career. Selection is limited to just 5% of lawyers in the state. The firm is…

Congratulations to Brookhaven on your 8th Birthday
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Congratulations to Brookhaven on your 8th Birthday

Eight years ago on the 12th of December, Brookhaven, Georgia, officially began operations as Georgia’s newest municipality. From those early days to the present, the community rallied around progressive policies of creating livable and workable spaces for all of its citizens. In that effort, the City Council has proposed and supported the creation of a Public…

Brookhaven becomes 2nd DeKalb city to pass anti-street racing law – City Attorney Explains Key Differences
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Brookhaven becomes 2nd DeKalb city to pass anti-street racing law – City Attorney Explains Key Differences

From an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Zachary Hansen Brookhaven’s city leaders passed an ordinance Tuesday night that imposes a fine between $500 and $1,000 for violators, who could also receive up to six months in jail. In addition, vehicles used in a street race can be impounded for 30 days or until the case is settled….

When Crossing a “Bridge to Far” Equals “Good Trouble”
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When Crossing a “Bridge to Far” Equals “Good Trouble”

Georgia’s Governor Kemp has said that a mask mandate is a “bridge too far;”* but we learned from Congressman John Lewis** that crossing bridges, even in the face of violent opposition, is good trouble when it means saving lives and making a difference. Cities across Georgia need to stand up for their citizens and assert…

BLG Works to Protect Neighborhood Quality of Life in Douglasville
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BLG Works to Protect Neighborhood Quality of Life in Douglasville

The firm is proud of its work for the City of Douglasville as the Georgia Court of Appeals has reversed a lower court ruling that would have allowed a rock crusher facility to be built adjacent to a residential neighborhood in the City. In City of Douglasville v. Bart Boyd, the City argued that the use…