City Attorney
FYs 2021-23 Budget
About Us
The mission of the City Attorney’s Office is to provide the City with the highest level of legal representation: as advisors to City officials and staff, we provide timely and comprehensive assistance; as advocates, we represent the City and its employees vigorously and fairly; as prosecutors, we diligently and justly enforce the law on behalf of the People of the State of California; and in all functions, we ethically and cost-effectively promote the community's interests in equity, justice and fairness.
Organizational Chart
Department Goals
- Provide high-quality, cost-effective legal services that are responsive to the needs of the City Council, Boards and Commissions, and staff of the City of Alameda.
- Evaluate use of outside legal services and its service levels in general and staffing necessary for prosecutorial function, and as a result, consider staffing changes/enhancements for both attorney and support staff.
- Continue to resolve pending litigation matters with an eye on minimizing cost to the City while maintaining a strong defensive strategy.
- Offer legal and risk management services necessary to minimize City liability and exposure.
- Prosecute cases vigorously and fairly on behalf of the People of the State of California.
Workplan Highlights
- Continue to perform legal support for negotiating and drafting all legal documents and supporting and overseeing litigation services required by all City departments.
- Maintain systems to provide City Council, Boards and Commissions, and Department Heads with timely and practical information on claims, litigation, statutory compliance and changes in law to facilitate compliance and implement best practices.
- Work with the City’s Rent Program Administrator to provide legal advice concerning implementation and enforcement of City’s Rent Program.
- Work with the Community Development Department to provide legal support on all aspects of law for major development projects, including the redevelopment of the former Naval Air Station at Alameda Point.
- Work with Planning and Building Department to handle code enforcement matters including informal resolutions and civil prosecution.
- Work with the Public Utilities Board and Alameda Municipal Power to provide legal support on all aspects of public utilities law.
- Work with the Public Works Department to provide legal advice and support regarding public contracting and public bidding issues, as well as provide legal support for public/private partnership for in-fill development throughout the City.
- Work with Community Development Department to provide legal advice concerning implementation and enforcement of the City’s ordinances governing commercial cannabis businesses and personal cultivation.
- Develop and provide Open Government training, including the Brown Act and the City’s Sunshine Ordinance for City staff and City Officials.