In his first executive order of 2016, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey recently provided for the state’s “sharing economy” with a directive establishing a council to focus on economic and transportation initiatives.

Aimed at keeping pace with the growing ride-sharing market and honoring the state's policy of encouraging entrepreneurship, Executive Order 2016-01 creates the Governor’s Council on the Sharing Economy and the appointment of five individuals from the business sector to serve voluntarily.

The panel would find ways to improve the state’s legal and regulatory environment in order to accommodate a sharing economy; identify existing regulations that could potentially conflict with a sharing economy; and recommend innovations to support a sharing economy.

To encourage self-regulation in Arizona industry, Ducey wants to reduce regulatory burdens and welcome innovation in business. With this executive order, all government entities are expected to refrain from over-regulation and to provide evidence of need prior to hands-on supervision.

The order, signed Jan. 11, recognizes that global revenues for a sharing economy are predicted to increase dramatically over the next decade.

“All political subdivisions of the state are encouraged to adopt a similar welcoming approach … within their own jurisdiction and may work with the council to develop the best local policies for economic success,” Ducey said.