George Floyd and the Future of Police Misconduct

By: Dr. Samuel R. Staley This piece first appeared in The Beacon. The death of George Floyd at the hands of a cop with a history of excessive force complaints has spurred protests, demonstrations, and riots across the nation. Unfortunately, the violence some protesters have unleashed on these cities is likely to exacerbate existing cultural … Continue reading George Floyd and the Future of Police Misconduct

It’s Time for Local Governments to Comprehensively Embrace the Efficiencies of Remote Work

By: Dr. Samuel R. Staley Now that Gov. DeSantis is moving forward with plans to re-open the Florida economy, it’s time to also think about what Florida’s governments can do to harness technology and remote work to improve productivity and efficiency.  While some public officials may see remote work as a temporary, emergency adjustment triggered … Continue reading It’s Time for Local Governments to Comprehensively Embrace the Efficiencies of Remote Work

Regulation of Ride Sharing Services Unnecessary Based on Evidence

By Justin Langford The emergence of ridesharing has revolutionized the transportation industry. By providing an online interface to connect passengers to drivers nearby, Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft offer an inexpensive and convenient alternative to traditional taxi services. The rise of TNCs, however, has brought about criticism among legislators and attempts … Continue reading Regulation of Ride Sharing Services Unnecessary Based on Evidence

Some Regulations Hinder Storm Recovery

By Chad Thomas and Matt Kelly One common policy response to hurricanes is to strengthen building codes. Former FEMA chairman Craig Fugate blames inadequate state and local building codes, rather than inept federal government disaster relief efforts, for the woeful response to Hurricane Katrina. After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, building code enforcement was enhanced in … Continue reading Some Regulations Hinder Storm Recovery

Tallahassee’s Local Permitting Process Reviewed

By Benjamin Peterson, Colin Cook, and Scott Williams One of the core issues of the DeVoe Moore Center (DMC) is regulatory streamlining and reform. Previous reports on local permitting have considered particular development types, including shopping centers and telecommunications towers. The DMC’s Data Analytics Group continues to examine the permitting process and most recently began … Continue reading Tallahassee’s Local Permitting Process Reviewed

Study Finds Growth Management Laws Reduce Housing Affordability

by Matt Kelly A new study by Cato Institute Senior Fellow Randal O’Toole explores the history and effects of growth management in the United States. Growth-management laws, according to O’Toole, “restrict rural development in order to force most growth into the cities.” In “The New Feudalism: Why States Must Repeal Growth-Management Laws” O’Toole finds these … Continue reading Study Finds Growth Management Laws Reduce Housing Affordability