Bauer, Ari I.

Ron Batty is a shareholder of Kennedy & Graven, Chartered. He practices in the areas of Economic Development and Redevelopment, Land Use, and Local Government Law.

In 1973, Ron earned a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana, graduating magna cum laude. He then enrolled in the Masters of Urban Planning program at the Hunter College of the City University of New York, graduating with an M.U.P. degree in 1975. In 1979, he received a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center.

Ron served as a city planner in New York from 1973 to 1975. During law school, Ron worked for the United States Department of Justice and Department of Housing and Urban Development. From 1980 until 1984, he continued his work as a city planner for the City of Minnetonka. He then entered private practice and, in 1989, Ron joined the predecessor firm to Kennedy & Graven.

Ron's practice includes municipal law, with a special interest in land use and zoning matters, tax increment financing, and development. He also is involved in local government representation as the city attorney for the cities of Lauderdale (since 1986) and Medina (since 1987). In addition, he represents the Robbinsdale Economic Development Authority and the Lino Lakes Economic Development Authority, both since 1990.

Among the many community service activities in which he participates, Ron has coached and managed youth athletic activities and has volunteered in the communities he serves. In addition, Ron spends his leisure time reading biographies, mysteries, and books on public policy. He also spends time in his perennial and rock garden, and enjoys hiking in the mountains of Colorado.

Ron has this to say about his work:

I like keeping communities on an even keel and helping them to avoid litigation. Cities depend on their city attorney for sage advice as well as legal counsel. There is something extra in the role.