Municipal, Land Use and Government Relations
We have decades of experience advocating for and in front of officials at all levels of government. Bergen & Parkinson has represented municipalities and advocated before municipal boards throughout the State of Maine. We have broad and deep background in all aspects of land use planning and development. And we have advocated before the state and federal government on behalf of individuals, businesses, and non-profit advocacy organizations.
Municipal
Bergen Parkinson, LLC, has served as Town Attorney for cities and towns across the state. We serve as special counsel on matters requiring expertise on a particular issue or when regular counsel is unavailable. Our lawyers have a depth of knowledge on all matters of municipal law:
• Drafting ordinances
• Zoning
• Police power
• Negotiating inter-local agreements
• Charters
• Labor and personnel matters
• Training for government officials
• Enforcement proceedings
• Advising municipal boards and officials
• Administrative appeals and court proceedings
Land Use
Bergen Parkinson, LLC, has decades of experience assisting individuals and businesses in the complex areas of zoning and land use. We represent land developers, commercial and residential developers, home and building owners, neighborhood groups, homeowner and condominium associations, as well as counties and towns. We help in all planning and compliance issues at both the local and state level, including:
• Zoning issues and amendments
• Land use regulations and compliance
• Plan-specific zoning applications
• Conditional use permitting
• Subdivision approvals and negotiations
• All forms of state and local permitting
• Administrative and judicial appeals
Our attorneys have argued some of the most consequential land use cases in recent Maine history, including more than 20 before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. We argue not only before the state’s highest court, but also the state and federal trial level as well.
Government Relations
Our attorneys have managed multi-million dollar federal advocacy programs for major national non-profit organizations. We can advise you on the best ways to frame your proposals and present your arguments to legislative and executive branch officials and staffers and help you prepare comprehensive plans to put you in position to achieve your business or advocacy goals. Our advisory services include:
• Legislative drafting and analysis
• Regulatory analysis and comment composition
• Negotiating with legislative and executive branch officials
• Preparing and implementing advocacy plans
• Integrating plans with communications and political advisors
• Devising and organizing policy briefings
• Recruiting congressional allies and forming coalitions
• Implementing media strategies
For additional information about our areas of expertise:
Town meeting and elections
Ordinance/charter drafting
Board training
Employment/work-place investigations
Land use enforcement
Land use development and permitting
Government Relations
Articles
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