Economic Localization

There are many well-documented benefits to supporting a local economy.  This could include purchasing local food, supporting regional charities and contributing to or getting involved in neighborhood programs. 

A local economy ensures that economic power resides locally, sustaining healthy community life and natural life as well as long-term economic viability.  A strong local economy produces and exchanges as many products needed by their citizens as they reasonably can, while reaching out to other communities to trade in those products they cannot reasonably produce at home. These communities value their unique character and encourage cultural exchange and cooperation. Further, most new jobs are provided by small, local businesses. Economic Localization also has many indirect benefits:

• reducing greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing transportation demand
• providing a buffer from shocks to the national economy
• shortening supply chains, thus reducing environmental impacts.

Livability Project can help communities establish "Think Local" campaigns to help to identify and support local, independently owned businesses circulates within the community longer. The campaign focuses on the many benefits of this well-documented "multiplier effect" and confirms that it really does matter where and how people spend their hard earned dollars. The campaign helps people feel empowered that they can make a difference in the world and creates community pride

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