American Canyon appoints new city attorney, approves legal services contract
At its July 15 meeting, the American Canyon City Council approved a new legal services agreement with the municipal law firm Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley PC (CHW) and appointed attorney Teresa “Terri” Highsmith as the city’s new city attorney.
Highsmith will be replacing current City Attorney William D. Ross, who has been in his role since American Canyon was established.
The move follows a competitive selection process that began in April when, under the guidance of retired City Manager Jim Schutz, the city issued a request for proposals to law firms statewide. Nine firms submitted proposals by the May 9 deadline.
After reviewing the applications and conducting interviews with five finalists in June, the council unanimously selected CHW to serve the city’s legal needs.
“Terri beat out a lot of competition out there, and I’m glad that you are going to be a part of our team,” said Mayor Pierre Washington as he welcomed Highsmith.
Vice Mayor Mark Joseph added that as American Canyon continues to grow and develop, so does the city’s need to work with firms that have a depth of knowledge about municipal law.
“That’s the kind of expertise we need going forward,” he said.
CHW was founded in 2002 and specializes in California municipal law. It represents more than 150 public agencies across the state, including cities, water districts and transportation agencies.
The firm is composed of 35 attorneys who have experience in areas like municipal finance, election law, land use, water conservation, the Brown Act, economic development and eminent domain, among others.
Highsmith, a shareholder with the firm, assumed her new role of city attorney on July 16.
“My firm and I are really honored to have been chosen by the city council for the city of American Canyon as your next contract city attorney,” she said at Tuesday’s meeting. “We’re really excited to begin working directly with the council and with your staff to provide the full spectrum of legal support.”
She has practiced municipal law since 1991 and brings decades of experience as city attorney for jurisdictions such as Alameda, Martinez and South Pasadena.
Her own legal background includes land use and zoning law, public contracts and agreements, labor and employment matters, affordable housing, open government law, and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
According to city staff, the new legal services agreement outlines hourly billing rates between $250 and $495, depending on the nature of the legal work. Funding for the contract has already been allocated in the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 budget.
City Manager Jason Holley said the appointment supports the city’s commitment to delivering high-quality government services and strengthening organizational effectiveness.
During public comment on the item, residents of American Canyon voiced appreciation for the work Ross did during his time as city attorney and asked that Highsmith spend the time to get to know the city to be able to best serve in her new role.
