IMLA - International Municipal Lawyers Association

We can't wait to see our Mid-Year Seminar attendees later this week in Washington, DC!

Yesterday, in a win for local governments in Bondi v. VanDerStok, the Supreme Court held that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)’s regulation of so-called “ghost guns” did not violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) as the firearm part kits could be considered firearms under the statutory definitions of the GCA. 

📑 Advanced Contracting Strategies for Municipal Attorneys. Join us on March 20 for insights into value-based procurement, alternative project delivery models, and P3 contracting. Steven Torres will guide you through performance-based approaches and protecting your municipality in complex contracts. Register today!

Inaugurated in 2023, the Charles W. Thompson, Jr. Local Government Law Scholarships are competitive awards intended to recognize rising 2Ls and 3Ls with demonstrated interest and accomplishment in the study of municipal law. IMLA is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 IMLA Charles W. Thompson, Jr. Local Government Law Scholarships. Congratulations to Colby Wicker (Indiana University Maurer School of Law), Anne Koontz (University of Oregon School of Law) and Madeline Masaryk (Lewis & Clark Law School)!

Today, IMLA's Executive Director & General Counsel, Amanda Karras, presented on an Executive Actions & Local Governments panel alongside Ana Schwab and Rick Su at National League of Cities' Congressional City Conference. The panel helped local leaders understand the legal implications of various federal executive actions in the realm of funding and immigration for local governments.

📚 Navigating Recent Free Exercise & Establishment Clause Decisions. Join us on March 11 as Joshua Matz and Rich Schragger discuss the Supreme Court's recent rulings on religious exemptions, school prayer, and funding decisions. Gain practical insights and useful guidance about the Supreme Court’s rapid transformation of the First Amendment. Register today!

Yesterday, in San Francisco v. EPA, in a win for local governments, the Supreme Court held that the EPA is not authorized to impose “end result” provisions in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and instead it is the EPA’s responsibility to “determin[e] what steps a permittee must take to ensure that water quality standards are met.” This case helps ensure local governments understand their obligations under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Build your legal expertise at our 2025 Construction Law Program in Providence, RI! Not an IMLA Member? Join IMLA today and receive a complimentary registration to the Construction Law Program. Contact us at info@imla.org for more details and to join!

📜 Constitutional Framework & Local Government Attorneys. Join us on March 6 for a civics refresher! Katie Hodgdon will explore the U.S. governing structure, federalism, home rule authority, and their impact on local government attorneys. Register today!

🌊 Products Liability Law & Emerging Water Contaminants – Free Live for IMLA Members! Join us on March 4 as Ken Sansone explores strategies for municipalities to recover compliance costs from manufacturers responsible for water contamination. Learn about PFAS, regulatory updates, and successful litigation case studies. Register today!