Regulatory Field
Want to create a job in Chicago? It is not that easy.
Especially in such tough economic times, people may be shocked to discover the lengths to which the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois go to discourage entrepreneurs who seek to create jobs for themselves and others. This updated report by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship documents how government regulations.
The sheer volume, cost and complexity of regulations on small businesses in Chicago are head-spinning. Among the most corrupting and stifling of the restrictions is the veto power aldermen can exercise over the entrepreneurial aspirations of anyone in their ward—the power to kill a small-business person’s American Dream before it can even get started. Getting into business in Chicago shouldn’t require someone to kiss the alderman’s ring. The marketplace—and not the government—is best able to decide if a business will succeed.
This report examines government-created barriers in industries that have traditionally provided a better way of life for the economically disenfranchised. Economic liberty—the right to pursue an honest living without arbitrary government interference—must be respected by governments at every level. Government policies should aim to foster honest enterprise, not layer regulation over stifling regulation, especially now. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Chicago area lost more jobs in the past year than any other metropolitan area, losing 70,800 non- farm jobs between July 2009 and July 2010.1
Among the Chicago regulatory burdens examined in the report are those dealing with: home-based businesses, food service providers, street vendors, child play centers, retail computing centers and commercial vehicles. The study also looks at state laws that license: barbers, African hairbraiders, nail technicians, landscape designers/contractors, engineers and moving companies. The report is filled with the real-life stories of Chicago entrepreneurs who want to do nothing more than earn an honest living, but find government regulations standing in their way.
Related Cases

Economic Liberty | Fresh Start
Feds threaten to end only Black radio station in Knoxville over owner’s personal tax conviction
Joe Armstrong brought Black community focused radio back on the air in Knoxville, Tennessee. Now he's fighting the FCC for his license, not for anything he put out over the air, but for an old…

Economic Liberty | Hair Braiding | Occupational Licensing
Three Idaho Women Challenge State’s Requirement for Hair Braiders to Obtain Cosmetology License

Economic Liberty | Private Property
Home day care provider sues city after officials shut her down over complaints from golfers
Bianca King is a single mother with two young children. Until recently, she was able to raise her 2-and 4-year-old kids while making a living running a small day care out of her home. But…
In The News
Liberty & Law Article
IJ’s New City Studies: Want to Create Jobs? Remove Red Tape.
Liberty & Law Article
IJ Creates City Studies to Show Burden of Bureaucracy
Liberty & Law Article