Being a regulator in local government can also be very rewarding. On any given day you might be:

• Approving a Taylor Swift concert for 90,000 people and having to decide on the maximum noise levels
• Securing a building which has burnt down and released asbestos into the atmosphere
• Responding to a burst sewer pipe with raw sewage spilling into a local park
• Having to permanently remove a dangerous dog from their owners after an attack
• Managing contamination of soil and water of a burst fuel tank at the local service station  
• Approving major new property developments
• Inspecting a restaurant after reports of food poisoning  
• Responding to illegal dumping of waste in the street  
• Part of the difference of regulation at the local government level as compared to the state or national level relates to scale and proximity.

Regulation at national and state levels often relates to large economies, industry sectors, professions and groups of citizens. Regulators are often dealing with well-resourced big businesses and professional lobbyists who are able to engage in great detail on regulatory issues which impact them.  

Regulation at the local government level often deals with smaller scale business activity and investment around land and property development. One is working much closer to the regulated parties: often smaller businesses and individuals. The economy wide impact won’t be as large – but the regulator’s decision can be life or death for the small business. 

More than at any other level of government, local government level regulation is a face-to-face exercise with members of the community who may be trying to start a small business or build their forever home.