OPINION: Economic development: Street vendors need not apply – The Nevada Independent

Clark County Commission Approves Strict Regulations on Street Vendors

Last year, the Clark County Commission approved Senate Bill 92, which aimed to legitimize street vendors’ work throughout the state. However, local governments were still allowed to impose their own regulations and requirements. Last week, the Clark County Commission implemented strict regulations for street vendors.

Regulations and Restrictions

• Vendors must have liability insurance.
• Vendors must obtain a permit from the health district.
• Vendors must pay a $45 application fee and an annual fee of $150.
• Food carts must be at least 15 feet away from crosswalks or intersections.
• Food carts must be 150 feet away from licensed food establishments.
• Food carts must be at least 500 feet away from permitted events, schools, and local parks.
• No sales are allowed after 9 p.m.

Violating these restrictions can result in fines up to $500 and up to six months in jail for certain violations.

Challenges for Street Vendors

The adopted ordinance provides a pathway to legalization in Clark County, but it presents significant challenges for individuals with limited financial means. The restrictions on operating hours, locations, and the associated fees will force many vendors to continue operating in the informal economy.

This issue is not unique to the street vending industry. Nevada has a history of overregulating low-income professions and occupations, making it difficult for workers and entrepreneurs to thrive. The Institute for Justice consistently ranks Nevada as the most burdensome jurisdiction in the nation for licensure requirements on low-income professions.

Implications for Economic Development

Clark County’s approach to legalizing street vendors raises questions about the state’s economic development policies. While significant resources are allocated to support major corporations and events, such as Major League Baseball and Formula One racing, the county’s regulations hinder low-income entrepreneurs from entering the legal marketplace.

Reforming the economic development approach is necessary to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for small businesses. Collaboration with street vendors should be prioritized, just as it is with politically connected mega corporations and international motorsport organizations.

By finding solutions that allow street vendors to operate alongside major events, Clark County can promote economic diversity and provide opportunities for individuals to succeed.

Michael Schaus is a communications and branding expert based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and founder of Schaus Creative LLC — an agency dedicated to helping organizations, businesses, and activists tell their story and motivate change. He has more than a decade of experience in public affairs commentary, having worked as a news director, columnist, political humorist, and most recently as the director of communications for a public policy think tank. Follow him at SchausCreative.com or on Twitter at @schausmichael.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the barriers and obstacles faced by low-income individuals trying to enter the legal marketplace.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article highlights the need to reduce barriers for workers and entrepreneurs trying to build a livelihood and improve the economic lot of ordinary Nevadans.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article mentions the exclusionary nature of the regulations on street vendors, which can disproportionately affect low-income individuals.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article discusses the restrictions on when, how, and where street vendors are allowed to operate in Clark County.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
• Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and type of tenure.
• Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: thenevadaindependent.com

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