Morazan: A Blueprint for Modern Governance

Joyce Brand

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Ciudad Morazán stands as a groundbreaking experiment in voluntary, contractual governance, directly inspired by the philosophies of Spencer Heath and Spencer MacCallum. Located in Honduras, a nation plagued by poverty and corruption, Morazán offers a compelling model for prosperity through autonomy and innovation.

Established under Honduras' 2013 ZEDE (Zones for Employment and Economic Development) legislation, Morazán enjoys significant political and economic independence while remaining under national oversight and criminal law. This autonomy allows the city to construct civil and commercial institutions tailored to its residents' needs.

At its core, Morazán operates on a for-profit model, attracting voluntary businesses and residents. This market-driven approach fosters innovative solutions in housing, water treatment, and infrastructure, significantly reducing costs compared to neighboring regions. For instance, a two-bedroom townhouse with modern amenities and 24/7 security costs just $140 per month—a feat made possible by avoiding cumbersome regulatory barriers.

Morazán was purpose-built to address real-world problems, particularly the poor living conditions of industrial workers in Honduras. Unique labor policies, such as mandatory escrow accounts for severance pay, ensure workers are protected without requiring costly legal battles. Wages are also set 10% higher than the national minimum, attracting skilled labor while reducing absenteeism through proximity to workplaces.

Industrial tenants benefit from streamlined regulations, reduced operational costs, and efficient import/export processes. Equipment that would otherwise face heavy restrictions can be freely brought into Morazán, creating an appealing environment for industries seeking stability and reliability.

Morazán vs. Próspera

While Morazán focuses on industrial growth and local workforce empowerment, Próspera—another ZEDE located on Roatán Island—targets upscale clientele and international entrepreneurs. Both share principles of voluntary governance and streamlined regulations but cater to distinct audiences, showcasing the adaptability of this model.

A Scalable Model for the Future

Morazán's success highlights the potential of market-driven governance to address systemic challenges. Its replicable blueprint offers lessons for regions worldwide, demonstrating that governance can be chosen, not imposed. As more jurisdictions adopt similar principles, the question isn't whether these models will spread, but how quickly they'll transform the world.

Read the full article here.

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Hi, I Am Joyce Brand

CEO Of Morazan Model Association

I am a woman who is passionate about freedom. I understand that freedom is an overused and misunderstood word. By freedom, I mean responsibility — specifically the responsibility of living without allowing any self-proclaimed rulers to make my moral judgments for me. A coercive government can impose negative consequences on me for disobeying its edicts, but I am free to the extent that I recognize my own responsibility for the risks I choose to take in following my own moral judgments. That is what it means to live free in an unfree world.

​The label that I use to describe myself is voluntaryist because it is the clearest word I can think of to describe my most important belief — that all interactions between human beings should be voluntary. There is never any moral justification for the initiation of violence or coercion. The Morazan Model Association explores the implications of that core belief.