Dickinson Wright Attorney Richard A. Wendt Recognized with Excellence in Municipal Law and Governance Award

October 05 2009

Dickinson Wright is proud to announce that Richard A. Wendt, a member in the firm's Grand Rapids, Michigan office, received the Excellence in Municipal Law and Governance Award from the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys (MAMA) Board of Directors, presented by Phil Balkema and Andy Mulder. The award recognizes Wendt's lifetime commitment to Michigan Municipalities.

According to MAMA, the award is to "honor select individuals whose careers embody significant achievement in and contribution to municipal governance and to the understanding and practice of municipal law."

"Mr. Wendt has delivered incredible value for our team over a career of distinguished service. He has been central to the accomplishment of our most critical economic development projects and capital financings," said Deputy City Manager Eric DeLong. "His role as an advisor and facilitator is legend. His counsel has effectively guided projects like the Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place Convention Center, formation of the Grand Valley Regional Biosolids Authority and financings too numerous to list. Dick is a true business partner in the best sense of the word."

DeLong added, "This award signifies a career of excellence that has been driven by an innovative and creative spirit that helps effectively balance possibilities, risks and rewards. And, best of all, there is more to come."

Wendt specializes in municipal law and public finance. He has more than 30 years of experience representing counties, cities, townships, villages and numerous statutory public authorities, both as general counsel and for specific matters. In addition, Wendt has served as bond counsel for more than 1,000 municipal bond issues, including bonds issued for and on behalf of tax increment finance authorities. He is listed in the 2009 editions of both Michigan Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America.

About Dickinson Wright PLLC

Dickinson Wright PLLC is a full-service law firm with more than 40 practice areas. Founded in 1878, Dickinson Wright has approximately 260 attorneys in offices located in Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Michigan, Nashville, Tennessee; Phoenix, Arizona; Washington, D.C.; and Toronto.