As independent businesses are grappling with the rising cost of rent in many U.S. cities, a new strategy is catching on: Policies that set-aside space for local businesses in new development. Here’s a look at three new programs that show how this tool can work — and offer examples of a step that cities can take to strengthen locally owned businesses.… Read More
In downtown Jersey City, a familiar story is playing out: Independent business owners have helped foster neighborhood growth, and now, chain stores are interested in sweeping in with their own locations. What’s different in Jersey City is that the city has taken proactive steps to check this common cycle, and instead, build a model that allows for more opportunity for local entrepreneurs.… Read More
In this 20-minute talk, ILSR’s Olivia LaVecchia breaks down strategies that cities can use to support their local economy.… Read More
The retail industry is experiencing significant upheaval, but almost all of the reporting on the issue has focused on national chains. Now, a national survey finds that shifts in retail are playing out differently for independents. While 90% of independent retailers report that Amazon is negatively affecting their businesses, they also say that their distinct strengths are helping them weather the storm better than many national chains.… Read More
When you choose locally owned businesses for your shopping, you create a ripple effect. Our new infographic shows what happens when you shop local — starting with you.… Read More
Amazon is looking for a big subsidy to build its new headquarters. In this op-ed for VICE’s Motherboard, we look at how it’s only the latest move in the company’s long history of using the government to get favors that other businesses can’t.… Read More
The dominance of Visa, along with Mastercard and the big banks that issue most credit cards, comes with high costs for small business owners and consumers. … Read More
Cities are changing to become increasingly inhospitable to locally owned businesses. In this 20-minute talk, ILSR’s Olivia LaVecchia discusses what’s causing the problem, why it matters — and six policy strategies that cities are using to address it.… Read More
There’s a small group of powerful companies, called pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, that increasingly controls the prices of prescription drugs. The results of this market power include higher costs, worse outcomes for patients, and diminishing competition. A new article in the American Prospect looks at the problem and what state and federal governments should do about it, including such solutions as North Dakota’s Pharmacy Ownership Law.… Read More
