https://yael.ca/categories/governing/Latest writing and media appearances from Yaël Ossowski.Hugo -- gohugo.ioen-us© Yaël Ossowski. All rights reserved.Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:04:00 -0700https://yael.ca/posts/the-real-victims-of-local-governments-love-of-lawsuits/Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:04:00 -0700https://yael.ca/posts/the-real-victims-of-local-governments-love-of-lawsuits/<h2 id="more-and-more-cities-are-paying-hefty-fees-for-private-attorneys-to-take-big-businesses-to-court-in-the-end-though-theyre-making-life-more-costly-for-their-residents">More and more, cities are paying hefty fees for private attorneys to take big businesses to court. In the end, though, they’re making life more costly for their residents.</h2> <p>Most Americans’ connection to their city government is limited. Sure, there’s trash collection and sewage treatment, zoning hearings and maybe the occasional property tax dispute, but it’s mostly a civic institution focused on local public services that works quietly.</p> <p>What if your city government wasn&rsquo;t just collecting trash and running the rec center, but also hiring high-priced lawyers to sue private companies for a big potential payday? And what if those lawsuits were driving up everyday costs for your family by raising the prices of the goods and services they need?</p>