The Cost of Inaction: Why Industry Engagement in Legislation Matters

By Scott A. Petri

Change is inevitable, and when it comes to regulation, standing on the sidelines means accepting whatever comes your way—whether favorable or not. The universe abhors a vacuum, and if industry professionals don’t step in to help shape legislation, other forces will fill the gap, often without the insight needed to create balanced, effective policies.

Last month, in a message to members of the Legislative Cohort Committee, Mark Vergenes shared an example of how the Pennsylvania Parking Association (PTAP) interacted with the Pennsylvania legislature to advocate for changes in parking enforcement laws.

His message was clear: Active participation in the legislative process is essential.

With over 15 years of experience in legislative affairs, I can confidently say:

  1. Legislators value input from their constituents. Your voice matters.
  2. If you’re not in the room, you’re not at the table. Lawmakers don’t intentionally exclude interested parties, but without active participation, your expertise is missing from the conversation.
  3. You have knowledge that can guide policymakers. Legislators will rely on industry experts to understand the real-world impact of their decisions.
  4. Regulation is increasing. Across the country, new laws are being passed to address concerns about industry practices, often based on the actions of a small percentage of bad actors. Without industry guidance, well-intentioned regulations may have unintended consequences.
  5. Advocacy requires patience and repetition. A single conversation isn’t enough—consistent, collective engagement through industry groups or associations is far more effective than a lone voice.
  6. Silence is costly. If you choose to remain uninvolved, you’ll have to live with the results, and when it comes to regulation, the outcome may not be in your favor.

State-led regulatory efforts are gaining momentum and could significantly alter long-standing industry practices. While some legislation may have good intentions, lawmakers often lack the technical understanding of how their decisions affect businesses.

That’s where industry experts play a vital role in educating policymakers and shaping regulations that are both fair and practical. We should collectively advocate for laws that promote good public policy. That means considering both the intended and unintended consequences of legislation.

Moreover, when laws adopt industry practices, they provide legal protections against class action lawsuits and other litigation against the industry. Proactive engagement isn’t just about preventing bad laws—it’s about ensuring that industry standards are codified in a way that provides stability and clarity.

Change is coming. The question is: will you help direct it, or will you be steamrolled by it? To ensure a fair and responsible regulatory environment, industry professionals must actively participate, educate, and advocate for balanced land fair legislation.

Join the conversation. Share your insights. Your engagement is crucial.

Scott A. Petri is the President for Mobility & Parking Advisors, LLC. Scott can be reached at Scott@mobilityparkingadvisors.com.