In the heart of Brunswick, Georgia, a significant shift in local governance is taking place—one rooted in federal law and the protection of religious exercise. Following a high-profile legal battle with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the City of Brunswick recently hosted a critical training session led by Daniel Dalton, a nationally recognized expert in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
This training wasn’t just a professional development opportunity; it was a mandatory requirement of a settlement agreement aimed at ensuring the city’s future land-use decisions respect the religious rights of all its citizens.
The Backdrop: A Battle Over “The Well”
The journey to this training session began with a conflict over The Well, a Christian resource center for the homeless operated by FaithWorks. While the city initially praised the ministry’s efforts to combat homelessness, tensions escalated in 2023. Attributing local crime to the presence of the center, the City Commission attempted to shutter the facility through a nuisance lawsuit and mandatory closure orders.
The DOJ intervened, filing suit in December 2024 and alleging that Brunswick’s actions created a substantial burden on the ministry’s religious exercise without a compelling interest. To resolve the matter, the city entered into a settlement in late 2025, agreeing to dismiss its lawsuit and, crucially, to educate its leadership on federal religious protections.
Why Daniel Dalton?
When the settlement mandated a “qualified, independent person” to conduct the training, Daniel Dalton was a natural choice. As a founding partner of Dalton & Tomich and author of Litigating Religious Land Use Cases, Dalton has spent decades at the intersection of zoning law and the First Amendment.
His presence in Brunswick signaled the city’s commitment to moving past the litigation and toward a more informed approach to governance.
What the Training Covered
The “live, interactive, educational training” wasn’t just for show. It was designed to provide the Mayor and City Commissioners with a deep dive into the four primary prongs of RLUIPA:
- Substantial Burden: Governments cannot implement land-use regulations that significantly hinder religious exercise unless there is a compelling interest.
- Equal Terms: Religious institutions must be treated no less favorably than non-religious assemblies (like social clubs or theaters).
- Nondiscrimination: Local governments cannot discriminate against any assembly or institution based on religious denomination.
- Exclusions: Zoning codes cannot totally exclude religious assemblies from a jurisdiction or unreasonably limit them.
Moving Forward: A New Chapter for Brunswick
The settlement agreement remains in effect for three years, during which time newly elected officials must also receive this training. By bringing in a veteran like Dalton, Brunswick is taking the necessary steps to ensure that its “City by the Sea” remains a place where faith-based service can thrive alongside community development.
For other municipalities, the Brunswick story serves as a potent reminder: RLUIPA is a powerful federal shield. Proactive education is far less costly—and far more productive—than a federal lawsuit.
If your community would like to recieve training on RLUIPA, please contact Daniel Dalton at [email protected]
