MMC Intergovernmental Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal agency serves as the primary point of contact for local governments seeking Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds?
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Correct answer)
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Department of the Interior
Correct answer: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD administers the CDBG program, which provides federal funding directly to local governments for community development activities.
Question 2: A municipal clerk receives a request from a state legislative committee for local government records. What is the most appropriate first action?
- Immediately forward all requested records
- Consult with the city attorney regarding scope and legal obligations (Correct answer)
- Decline the request as state committees lack authority over municipalities
- Contact the governor's office for guidance
Correct answer: Consult with the city attorney regarding scope and legal obligations
The city attorney should be consulted to determine the legal scope of the request and any applicable exemptions before responding to a state legislative inquiry.
Question 3: The National League of Cities (NLC) primarily serves municipal clerks and local governments by:
- Enforcing federal regulations on local governments
- Providing advocacy, research, and networking at the federal level (Correct answer)
- Administering state aid to municipalities
- Certifying local government officials
Correct answer: Providing advocacy, research, and networking at the federal level
The NLC advocates on behalf of cities before Congress and federal agencies while providing research, training, and peer networking opportunities.
Question 4: When a county government and a city government enter a joint powers agreement (JPA), who typically files the agreement with the state?
- The county recorder only
- The city clerk only
- Both entities file with their respective state agencies (Correct answer)
- The state attorney general
Correct answer: Both entities file with their respective state agencies
Most states require each participating agency to file the JPA with the appropriate state office, typically the Secretary of State or county recorder.
Question 5: Which communication principle is MOST critical when a municipality must notify a neighboring jurisdiction about a proposed zoning change near a shared border?
- Speed of notification to minimize reaction time
- Timeliness and adequate notice to allow meaningful input (Correct answer)
- Secrecy until the public hearing is finalized
- Notification only if the change exceeds 10 acres
Correct answer: Timeliness and adequate notice to allow meaningful input
Timely and adequate notice allows neighboring jurisdictions to review, comment, and participate meaningfully in the decision-making process.
Question 6: A municipal clerk is drafting an intergovernmental service agreement for shared animal control services. Which element is LEAST essential in the agreement?
- Cost allocation formula
- Duration and termination provisions
- The personal political affiliations of participating officials (Correct answer)
- Dispute resolution procedures
Correct answer: The personal political affiliations of participating officials
Personal political affiliations of officials are irrelevant to the legal and operational requirements of an intergovernmental service agreement.
Question 7: Under the Dillon's Rule doctrine, municipal powers to engage in intergovernmental agreements are:
- Unlimited, as long as both parties consent
- Broadly implied from the municipality's general welfare authority
- Narrowly construed to only those expressly granted by the state (Correct answer)
- Determined solely by local voters via referendum
Correct answer: Narrowly construed to only those expressly granted by the state
Under Dillon's Rule, municipalities possess only those powers expressly granted by the state, fairly implied, or essential to declared purposes.
MMC Intergovernmental Communication 2
Which federal agency serves as the primary point of contact for local governments seeking Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds?