Lee Sands

Lee Sands

Local Government Policy Analyst

lee@libertas.org

Lee is the Local Government Policy Analyst at Libertas Institute. He has had a lifelong passion for research, writing, entrepreneurship, local government, and building relationships with people from all walks of life.

Before joining Libertas, Lee worked as a technical writer, covered tech and local events as a journalist, developed websites, launched a Kickstarter campaign, and helped businesses create budgets and integrate accounting and other systems.

A native of rural northeast Florida, Lee moved to Provo, Utah in 2004. Since graduating from BYU and attending the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Lee has started a family, become increasingly active in local politics as a volunteer, and now joins Libertas to be a resource for elected officials and the general public. Lee enjoys camping, fishing, Jeeping, history, and all things creative and analytical.

Lee Sands's Articles

Given Utah’s growing demand and high housing costs, it is crucial for policymakers to reduce the regulations surrounding backyard cottage construction.
The time for bold, market-driven solutions is now, and it begins with zoning reforms that give the housing market the freedom to meet the diverse needs of Utah's growing population.
Whatever the situation or personal desire, property owners should have the flexibility to build homes that reflect their specific lifestyle requirements, rather than being forced to conform to arbitrary zoning restrictions.
What truly sets Farmington's ordinance apart is that it allows property owners to sell their detached ADUs — a noticeable shift towards property rights and housing freedom.
As the housing debate continues to dominate Utah’s political landscape, this year's gubernatorial candidates' differing approaches reflect the complexity of the issue.