Matthew S. Keasling
Matthew S. Keasling primarily works with local jurisdictions to secure entitlements for various commercial, residential, industrial, tech, mining and agricultural projects. A trusted partner in the firm, his experience includes project management, political assessment, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, negotiation of development agreements, community engagement, and project representation before decision-making bodies. Matt has successfully guided numerous development projects through the regulatory process to obtain local, State and Federal entitlements. In addition to securing land use entitlements, Matt is also a part of the firm’s litigation practice. As part of the litigation team, he has successfully defended project entitlements at the Superior Court, 3rd Appellate District and California State Supreme Court.
Outside of work, Matt is involved in several community groups and nonprofit organizations with a strong emphasis on affordable housing and shelter services. Born and raised in Sacramento, Matt knows the region and its issues well. He and his wife are busy keeping up with three young boys and enjoying family adventures.
Education
- University of California, Santa Barbara, B.A. History, 2001
- University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law J.D., 2005
Professional Affiliations
- Urban Land Institute (ULI)
- Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce
- West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce
Appointments
- Economic Development and Housing Commissioner, City of West Sacramento
- Board of Directors, Metro Air Park Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District Public Financing Authority
Community Involvement
- Chair on the Board of Directors, Next Move
- Chair of the Board of Directors, Sacramento Steps Forward
- Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento
- Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Sacramento class of 2011
Admissions
- State Bar of California: 2005
Published Decisions
- Sunset Skyranch Pilots Ass’n v. County of Sacramento, et al. (2009) 47 Cal.4th 902 wherein the State Supreme Court reversed the Appellate Court decision and affirmed the County’s use of a CEQA exemption
- Old East Davis Neighborhood Assn. v. City of Davis (2021) 73 Cal.App.5th 895 wherein the Appellate Court reversed the Superior Court and upheld the City Council’s project approval
- Sacramentans for Fair Planning v. City of Sacramento (2019) 37 Cal.App.5th 698 which was the first published opinion upholding streamlined environmental review through a local jurisdiction’s use of a Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment
