Key Points
  • Regulations should always be simple and transparent, focusing on the particular issue and should not become an opportunity to provide favoritism to particular special interests.

In his first inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson said that “the sum of good government” was one “which shall restrain men from injuring one another” and “shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry.” Sadly, governments – federal, state and local – have ignored this axiom and continue to rapidly expand the already immense regulatory state.

Virtually every facet of our lives is somehow touched by government regulations. The food, cars drive, work, and even mattresses are regulated, in some way, by federal, state and local governments. Americans spend more on this “tax” than any other expense except for housing.

The current regulatory system is broken. Onerous permitting requirements have made it extremely difficult, expensive and time-consuming to build much of anything these days. Overly burdensome regulations have also destroyed jobs and have negatively impacted businesses, small and large.

This is not to say that all regulations are bad and should be done away with entirely. Obviously, there is a role for governments to play in ensuring the air and water we breathe and drink is clean, food and medication we consume are safe and the places we work don’t pose significant threats to health and safety. That said, regulations should be transparent, fair, and impose minimal financial burdens on businesses and families.

Model Policies

  • AN ORDINANCE FOR LOCAL COORDINATION ON FEDERAL REGULATIONS Final

    Congress has defined “coordination” as a government-to-government communication process, seeking consistency, in which local government has an equal negotiating position with the federal agencies. This government-to-government communication negotiating process allows local government to participate on an equal basis in all phases of planning and management of land, water and wildlife …

  • Local Right to Work Ordinance Final

    Local Right to Work Ordinance Summary American City County Exchange’s model Local Right to Work Ordinance provides that no employee need join or pay dues to a union, or refrain from joining a union, as a condition of employment. The ordinance establishes penalties and remedies for violations of …

  • ACCE Principles of Short Term Housing Rental Regulations Final

    Short-term housing rentals are becoming an important component of the travel and tourism economy in many communities throughout the country. Recently, some jurisdictions have passed — or are considering the passage of — onerous and burdensome regulations for short-term rentals, severely threatening this important new industry. As advances in technology …

  • Regulating Containers to Protect Business and Consumer Choice Final

    Section 1. {Title} This resolution may be cited as the Regulating Containers to Protect Businesses and Consumer’s Choice Resolution. Section 2. {Definitions}                                                                                                                                                                                (A) Defines “containers” as: reusable bags, disposable bags, boxes, cups, and bottles that are made of cloth, paper, plastic, extruded polystyrene, or similar materials, which are designed …

  • The Open and Fair Competition Resolution for Municipal [or Local] Water and Wastewater Projects Final

    The Open and Fair Competition Resolution for Municipal [or Local] Water and Wastewater Projects Summary It is the intention of this resolution to ensure that all proven and acceptable piping materials be included in all bids for water and wastewater projects. This promotion of free competition will ensure …

Committees

Community Development

Communities have different needs when it comes to parks, historic preservation, tourism, zoning/land use and regulation. The ACCE Community Development …