Local control and pre-emption can be loaded tools for public policy. Can you identify some areas where local control can produce harmful impacts and should not be prioritized?

Local control and pre-emption are powerful tools in public policy, but they can have both positive and negative impacts. On one hand, local governments can act faster and go further than the state on certain issues. On the other hand, local control can sometimes block meaningful progress because it tends to favor individuals with the time and flexibility to make their voices heard, rather than representing the broader community.

There are areas where local control can have harmful effects and should not be prioritized. For example, when it comes to unions and workers’ rights, local governments may lack the expertise or political will to effectively regulate businesses and corporations. This can lead to a "race to the bottom," where industries exploit weaker regulations in neighboring areas, creating unfair working conditions.

Another example is nondiscrimination standards. Allowing localities to set their own rules can result in unequal protections for marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals or those facing housing discrimination. A statewide standard ensures consistent protections and prevents a patchwork of laws that disadvantage people in communities with weaker regulations.

Local control can also lead to NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard), where residents block important regional projects like affordable housing, railways, or highways. We see this problem in Bellevue right now with the Middle Housing Land Use Code Amendment. Local control, when misused, can stall progress on critical issues that require a broader, regional approach.

That said, local governments also have the ability to make positive changes. I know this wasn’t part of the question, but I want to highlight some of the good that local jurisdictions can do. For instance, cities can invest in workforce development by creating education and training programs for high-demand industries. They can modernize infrastructure to make it more resilient and effective, such as expanding transportation options, building microgrids to reduce reliance on PSE, or creating municipal broadband to provide an alternative to Comcast. Cities can also support startups and small businesses through grants, low-interest loans, and incubator programs.

While local control has its challenges, it also has the potential to drive innovation and progress in areas that directly benefit communities. The key is knowing when to set statewide standards for fairness and consistency, and when to empower local governments to act boldly.