First Amendment Issues in Municipal Government & Law Enforcement
Free Speech, Public Forums, Events, Libraries, and Enforcement Considerations

Overview: Municipalities and law enforcement agencies regularly encounter complex First Amendment issues involving public meetings, demonstrations, protests, libraries, parks, public facilities, and other public-facing operations.

This training provides a practical overview of constitutional considerations related to free speech, public forums, municipal regulation, and law enforcement response during public interactions and events. The session will include real-world examples, operational considerations, and an interactive question-and-answer discussion.

Topics Covered
• Free speech protections in public spaces
• Traditional, designated, and nonpublic forums
• Public events, demonstrations, protests, and counter-protests
• Time, place, and manner restrictions
• Libraries and First Amendment considerations
• Designated speech areas and constitutional considerations
• Law enforcement response and enforcement considerations
• Crowd management and public safety issues
• Content-neutral sign regulations and permitting considerations
• Practical municipal scenarios and guidance
• Interactive question-and-answer session

Learning Objectives
• A practical understanding of First Amendment principles affecting municipalities
• Greater familiarity with public forum analysis and constitutional limitations
• Guidance regarding operational coordination during demonstrations and public events
• Awareness of content-neutral regulatory considerations and enforcement issues
• Opportunities to discuss real-world municipal scenarios through audience Q&A

Intended Audience
• City attorneys and legal staff
• Law enforcement personnel
• Library staff
• Parks and recreation staff
• Event and permitting staff

DATE: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers | Lake Oswego City Hall | 380 A Avenue | Lake Oswego, Oregon
Presenter: Christopher Riley is a litigation attorney with Miller Nash LLP who advises and represents 
clients in complex legal disputes and regulatory matters. He previously clerked for the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and the Massachusetts Appeals Court. His practice includes advising clients on public-facing legal and operational issues involving constitutional and regulatory considerations.

Registration: email [email protected] with your name, agency/city, and total number of attendees

Contact Information: Lake Oswego City Attorney’s Office at 503-635-0225

Disclaimer: This training is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult your agency attorney or legal counsel regarding specific legal questions or operational decisions.