Land Use and Local Government

2 Credit Hours

Land Use and Local Government is a practice-based and real world-oriented course that provides an in-depth examination of the inner workings of local governments (cities and villages) and the land development process. Taught by a Chicago-based local government and land use lawyer, the course involves a review of both the legal requirements and the strategic elements for all of the various players (e.g., hearing bodies, corporate authorities, real estate developers, neighboring property owners, advocacy groups, and related governmental districts such as schools and parks) who may be engaged in a land use or zoning entitlement proceeding. The course will also review some of the tools of land development (e.g., annexation, zoning, planned developments, subdivision, TIF, economic incentives, intergovernmental agreements) and strategies for action outside of the municipal process (e.g., land use litigation – including a deep dive into regulatory takings, eminent domain, and vested rights litigation). On several occasions throughout the semester, municipal and land use lawyers from Chicago law firms join the class to provide real life insights into this practice area. A highlight of the course is the final project which allows for the review and utilization of all of the subject matters in the setting of a simulated village board meeting and land use public hearing to provide a practical and interactive perspective with substantial opportunity for creative role-playing. This intense activity complements the limited reading assignments throughout the semester. Professor Steven Elrod has been teaching this course at Northwestern since 2010. From 2010-2013, he co-taught the course with the late Professor Dawn Clark Netsch. Much of the course curriculum is inspired by the late, great Professor Netsch.