AGC's expertise encompasses all facets of public housing law, including general legal counseling on housing and general plan requirements, implementation of HUD regulations for Section 8 programs, relocation requirements for redevelopment and public projects, nuisance abatement and public safety programs aimed at improving housing conditions and neighborhood revitalization. AGC's attorneys have the skills and experience to provide a full range of housing services.
The Firm is well versed in issues concerning general plan housing elements and housing compliance under state planning laws. Having represented planning departments in a number of cities for over twenty years, AGC offers a wealth of expertise on the planning and land use aspects of housing issues.
The Firm's attorneys have a particular specialty in the complex areas of law governing residential care facilities, recovery homes, "sober living" facilities, and similar sensitive residential uses. AGC's attorneys routinely advise cities, redevelopment agencies, and public housing authorities on the specific constitutional, statutory, and regulatory issues such agencies face, including:
Fair Housing Act requirements
ADA compliance
Housing discrimination
Sex offender placement and supervision
Enforcement of group homes and boarding houses
Regulation of substance abuse recovery facilities
First Amendment rights of public housing recipients
Police and public safety aspects of public housing
With respect to implementation of HUD grant and loan programs, Section 8 compliance, and related public housing programs, AGC routinely advises cities and housing authorities on satisfying all regulatory and legal requirements. The Firm's legal counseling extends to drafting loan and grant agreements; drafting grant deeds, lease agreements, and real property instruments; negotiating with low-income housing providers and non-profit housing agencies; and working with contractors on housing rehabilitation projects.
The Firm's experience with public housing agreements offers public agency clients a special perspective, as AGC has represented both private sector and public sector clients in the negotiation of low-income housing agreements, owner participation agreements, and similar agreements for the development of both large and small-scale low-income housing projects. AGC's practice with private sector clients allows the Firm insight into the needs driving these projects, and this insight offers AGC's public agency clients a distinct advantage when negotiating with private parties.
The Firm's dedication to community revitalization through public housing advocacy is evident in the numerous projects that AGC has been integral in bringing to completion, and stands as a key component to the Firm's overall commitment to community improvement and public service.