The Libertarian Policy Foundation exists to research problems, develop solutions, and educate decision-makers on how to best implement them. We are stridently non-partisan – in the spirit of Frederick Douglass, we will “unite with anybody to do right.” We believe that collaboration leads to a safe, free, and prosperous society.
We leave theoretical debates over wedge issues to others. Our proposals solve real problems while minimizing coercion and maximizing individual empowerment. They can be implemented in any community across the nation now, not in the distant future.
We meet people where they are, not where we wish they were. Recognizing that people have their own beliefs and values, we work to persuade diverse audiences without pandering. Our proposals are designed to align incentives and take into account resource constraints and human nature to bring people together to cooperate on shared goals.
We want to build the most socially just society possible, with the least amount of coercion. Many people who develop policies want to take the shortcut of persuading just a few people in government to enforce their values without the consent of the community. We acknowledge that this approach can produce some short-term success, but that success is tainted by forcing others to live according to their values instead of persuading them to cooperate and risks losing ground without the active participation of the community. We leverage the power of free markets and individual self-interest to keep our policy solutions in alignment with the goals they are designed to achieve. It is not enough to be right, we must also be persuasive, kind, and build solutions that work in an imperfect world.
Housing
Recognizing the basic need for every individual to have safe shelter, the Libertarian Policy Foundation identifies ways to tweak or work within existing zoning regulations without disrupting community character, with the goal of increasing the housing supply, filling already-vacant units, and keeping people off the streets.
The Libertarian Policy Foundation seeks to end arbitrary limitations on building new housing such as frontage and parking requirements.
Free Movement
The Libertarian Policy Foundation affirms the right to freely move people and capital across borders. When within our borders, individuals are subject to the same laws as a citizen and a law-abiding resident should not be subject to removal for arbitrary reasons.
Justice
The Libertarian Policy Foundation favors restorative, not punitive, justice. The primary goals of the justice system should be to make victims whole, to deter crime, and to prevent the cycle of reoffense.
The Libertarian Policy Foundation opposes broad surveillance measures and seeks to reduce the interactions between individuals and law enforcement.
The Libertarian Policy Foundation supports the professionalization and demilitarization of local and state police departments.
Education
Recognizing that government interventions in higher education have not served the goal of making higher education more affordable, the Libertarian Policy Foundation supports ending federal student loan guarantees and special treatment of student loan debt in bankruptcy proceedings.
The Libertarian Policy Foundation believes that higher education should serve the student, not the institution or the government. Graduation, successful employment, and student loan repayment rates should be made transparently available to prospective students to allow them to make an informed decision on where to spend their time and tuition.
The Libertarian Policy Foundation opposes regulations that are unrelated to student outcomes, such as requirements for large physical libraries, residential campuses, and unnecessary administrative positions.
Taxation
The Libertarian Policy Foundation recognizes that not all forms of taxation impact all people equally and seeks an end to regressive tax structures. We support the creation of local and state investment pools and to use the proceeds to ease the burden on residential property tax payers.
The Libertarian Policy Foundation opposes taxation on necessities such as groceries and clothing.
