Community Economic Development Law
This course is a broad study of the growing area of community economic development law. It will address the legal, business and policy considerations that underlie efforts to enhance the economic viability of low-income urban and rural communities through the development of affordable housing and commercial real estate, as well as the stimulation of entrepreneurship. Because nonprofit organizations play an important role, both as catalyst and developer, with respect to community economic development, a particular focus of this course will be the legal issues related to the involvement of tax-exempt organizations in this work. The role of private parties, as well as all levels of government will also be examined. In addition to exposing students to the substantive law involved in community economic development transactions, the course will be structured to provide the opportunity to develop practical skills in statutory and regulatory analysis and drafting. Students will also have the opportunity to "lawyer" three simulated transactions through the use of case studies. The course grade will be based on class participation and the case studies.
Please note that course organization and content may vary substantially from semester to semester and descriptions are not necessarily professor specific. Please contact the instructor directly if you have particular course-related questions.