Lee Sands

Lee Sands

Local Government Policy Analyst

lee@libertas.institute

Lee is the Local Government Policy Analyst at Libertas Institute, drawing on his research and entrepreneurial experience to inform and assist elected officials and the general public. He focuses on issues most relevant to local governments, such as land use, taxation, and business regulation. His work addresses the regulatory hurdles that matter most to families, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.

A native of rural northeast Florida, Lee moved to Provo, Utah in 2004. Before joining Libertas, his path ran through the private sector in technical writing, journalism, and small business, giving him firsthand experience navigating the regulatory environment he now works to improve. He graduated from BYU and attended the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, the outdoors, history, and creative pursuits.

Lee Sands's Articles

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.
From a liberty standpoint, owning chickens is not much different from owning cats or dogs. Animal ownership comes with responsibilities such as feeding, sheltering and maintaining sanitary conditions.