City Attorney

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Department Overview

The City Attorney's Office represents and advises the City Council, City Departments, Boards, Commissions, officers, and employees of the City of South San Francisco on all legal matters relating to City business and official activities. In addition, the City Attorney's Office prepares all legislation and legal documents, reviews City contracts and agreements, prosecutes violations of the municipal code, and manages litigation on behalf of and against the City.


Mission

The City Attorney is directly appointed by the City Council. The City Attorney represents and advises the City Council, Boards and Commissions, and officers and employees of the City in all matters of law pertaining to their respective offices and official activities. The City Attorney prepares all proposed ordinances, resolutions and amendments, prepares or approves the form of all other legal documents and represents the City in litigation to which the City is a party.

The City Attorney, whose services are retained by the City through a contract relationship, is responsible for the following services:

  • Providing legal advice and information to the Council and staff;

  • Preparing legislation and legal documents;

  • Reviewing contracts, leases and agreements;

  • Providing legal defense and advice to the City in a manner that minimizes City liability and exposure;

  • Providing legal advice to the City Council, City Manager, Departments, Boards and Commissions;

  • Supporting staff in enforcing community standards and codes fairly; and

  • Managing the City’s litigation.

 

Department Head

City Attorney Sky Woodruff For over 20 years, Sky Woodruff has served as a trusted advisor to local agencies both as general counsel and as special counsel on elections and tax, fee, and assessment matters. As a city attorney, Sky and his team collaborate with clients on day-to-day local government operations, as well as complex, high-stakes issues that map the future of a community. He has worked with cities, counties, and special districts on dozens of ballot measures to raise revenue, set land use policy, protect public health, and regulate industry. Local government officials and consultants regularly seek his advice to identify options for enhancing revenue and protecting existing revenues against challenges.

Sky approaches his work as a member of client teams, attempting to understand their goals, identifying and strategizing about risks, and communicating the highest quality legal analysis to achieve desired outcomes. Serving as city attorney for a diverse range of cities, Sky has helped new cities chart their initial course and established cities plan for the future through land use and finance. He has focused on revenue enhancement and stability, economic development, and housing and commercial development in line with each community’s character. He has negotiated deals and processed land use approvals, while collaborating on long-range plans for financing significant infrastructure projects to meet the needs of future residents and businesses. Read More

 

 

Location and Hours

City Attorney's Office
400 Grand Ave
South San Francisco, CA
94080

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Contact Us

Phone

Fax

(510) 444-1108

Email