SMW Assists Multiple Public Agencies Implementing SB 1383, Organic Waste Reduction and Edible Food Mandates
In anticipation of a January 1, 2022 deadline, SMW attorneys assisted numerous public agencies adopting municipal ordinances to implement SB 1383. California’s groundbreaking law aims to reduce disposal of organic waste at landfills by 75 percent from 2014 levels by 2025. SMW assisted the Alameda County Waste Management Authority (Stope Waste), the Central Contra Costa […]
SMW Supports Half Moon Bay’s Successful Financing for Corporation Yard Project
In 2021, SMW attorneys assisted the City of Half Moon Bay with successfully securing more than $3 million in financing from California’s Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank). The lease-leaseback transaction allows the City to realize significant annual savings on lease costs. The financing allows the City to acquire land for its Corporation Yard, and modernize existing improvements for City use.
SMW Supports Cupertino’s Negotiation of New Franchise Agreement, Positioning City to Implement SB 1383’s Organic Waste Reduction Mandates
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger attorneys assisted the City of Cupertino with negotiation of a new 10-year franchise agreement for recycling, organics, and solid waste collection and processing. The complex new agreement allows Cupertino to maintain high levels of service and low rates relative to surrounding cities, while positioning the City to implement the requirements of SB 1383 to address methane emissions from organic waste.
SMW Part of Team that Helps Cupertino Take Advantage of Near Historic Lows for Municipal Bond Rates
SMW worked closely with Cupertino staff, bond counsel, municipal advisor, and underwriters to issue about $22 million of Certificates of Participation, refunding previously issued certificates and taking advantage of near historical lows for municipal bond rates. The transaction resulted in average annual savings to Cupertino of nearly $500,000.
SMW Aids in the Acquisition of Land Planned for New Park
SMW attorneys supported the City of Cupertino in its acquisition of more than 7 acres of land planned for a park. Cupertino’s purchase of the property is a critical step in a more than 10-year effort to provide additional parks and recreation areas on the east side of the City.
Best Practices Updates
The firm updates various cities’ template contracts to reflect updates to California’s public contracting law and best practices. The firm provides training to City staff on negotiating and entering contracts.
SMW Becomes General Counsel to RecycleSmart
In 2019, the firm is selected to serve as the General Counsel to the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority (RecycleSmart), administering franchise agreements for recycling, compost, and solid waste diversion and disposal for five cities and a portion of the County.
Public On-Demand Shuttle Service Fills Transit Gaps in Cupertino
The firm assists the City of Cupertino in launching an on-demand shuttle service in 2019 to provide transportation anywhere in Cupertino and to nearby mass transit, thereby reducing the use of single-occupancy automobiles.
All-Electric Reach Code Reduces New Construction’s Carbon Footprint in Cupertino
In 2019 the firm drafts, and advises the City of Cupertino in adopting, one of the first all-electric reach codes, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of new construction that might otherwise be served by natural gas.
SMW Serves as City Attorney for Cupertino
The firm begins serving as the City Attorney’s Office for the City of Cupertino in February 2019 with Heather Minner serving as the City Attorney.