Coates’ Canons NC Local Government Law

Generally, North Carolina procurement law requires a three-bid minimum for formal construction projects. Effective July 7, 2026, the General Assembly created a temporary exception to the three-bid minimum for certain formally bid construction projects. Under the new G.S. 143-132(a1), which was enacted through Section 22.6.(a) of the

Rules are meant to be enforced, but it can be helpful (and appropriate) to grant a little bit of leeway in unusual circumstances. At home, depending on one’s parenting style, this may mean relaxing bedtime during the Stanley Cup Finals or extending curfew on graduati...

Local sales and use taxes are an important revenue source for North Carolina counties and municipalities. But a portion of the sales and use tax revenues may legally belong to a local unit’s special taxing district(s).

The 2026 Appropriations Act (Session Law 2026-41) contains a provision that could significantly alter the fiscal responsibilities of counties with respect to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Section 9J.14(a) of the <...

Last year I wrote about the practical challenges local government entities face as the United States stopped producing pennies. At the time, North Caroli...