Join us for our next free monthly webinar program coming on Wednesday, May 7th at noon. This month we have a great panel lined up to discuss Impact Fees and Other Exactions in Land Use Matters: From Permits to Housing Projects.

Government boards and agencies can impose many types of exactions which are legal if they are authorized by legislation, set forth in bylaws or regulations, properly based, and fairly administered. Some exactions are financial, others require in-kind services, public amenities, affordable units, or utility contributions. All kinds, however, cost money.

On the other hand, permit applicants, developers, builders, property managers, and those who “do business” with the government seem to regard exactions as being a kind of extortion. This webinar will make the distinctions clear between perfectly legal exactions, questionable financial obligations, improper requests, and outright wrongdoing. 

Exactions are not to be confused with your father’s typical, traditional bond, insurance, and other surety requirements. Rather they are fees or financial equivalents imposed ostensibly to offset the public impacts of private development. They are a very common tool elsewhere in the United States, but not in Massachusetts. 

Learn why that is, what kind are legal here, what the courts have ruled, and how impact fees and other exactions are on the rise. Hear from practitioners in the field who will share their knowledge, experience, and practical tips for you and your clients. 

Speakers: 

Joe Callanan, Town Solicitor, Town of Brookline

Ethan Dively, Counsel, Harrington Heep LLP

Gregor McGregor, Founding Principal, McGregor Legere & Stevens P.C. 

This free program is open to all our members and any of your interested local officials. 

Meeting and program materials links are included in your confirmation email after registering and also will be sent via email to all registrants the week of the program.

Please note that if you are viewing this announcement in an email forwarded to you from one of our members, the registration link in the email is personal to the member and will not work for you. Instead, please register by going to the event page on our website.