Explanation
The International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) is a non-profit, professional organization founded in 1935 to serve as an advocate and resource for local government attorneys. IMLA represents over 2500 cities and counties in the U.S. and Canada. Most of the largest cities in the country are members. Annual membership dues for a city of Columbus’ size (between 750,000-800,000) are $5100.
The IMLA serves as a clearinghouse for legal information and cooperation on municipal legal matters. Members receive access to accurate, up-to-date information on legal trends, specific types of court cases, and other challenges that municipal attorneys are addressing. The IMLA also provides a variety of services, publications and programs - such as continuing legal education (CLE) credit opportunities via live teleconferences - to help members.
The IMLA holds an annual national conference, bringing local government attorneys together to share information, best practices, and legal strategies. By the City Attorney’s office renewing its membership in the IMLA, Columbus would be eligible for consideration as a host city for the conference starting in 2016. The City Attorney’s office plans to work closely with Experience Columbus to respond to the RFP and meet all other necessary requirements to pursue a conference that would continue to mark Columbus as a thriving, vibrant city on the rise. The conference would also have a positive impact on the local economy and would more than pay for the annual membership dues through the tax revenues generated.
Council amended the 2013 budget for, and deems this project an appropriate use of $5,100.00 in General Fund monies.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $5,100.00 within the Public Safety Initiatives Fund; to authorize the transfer of $5,100 from the Public Safety Initiatives Fund to the General Fund for dues for the International Municipal Lawyers Association; and to declare an emergency. ($5,100.00)
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