When asked about the challenges they face, the top three issues small businesses pointed to all have to do with the unchecked exercise of market power by dominant corporations. … Read More
We welcome the legislation introduced today by Senator Warren and Representative Jones, as a long-overdue step toward a more equitable and dynamic economy. … Read More
To help demystify broadband and digital equity policy and give officials the grounding they need to undertake projects, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) will host a fast-paced, fun, and interactive virtual gathering on March 16th. … Read More
Four states lead the country in renewable energy policies: California, Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois. Created by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), the 2022 edition of the Community Power Scorecard grades each state on whether its energy policies give individuals, cities, and communities the choice to build clean energy wealth locally, rather than rely on incumbent utility companies.… Read More
ILSR issued a report that shows how local communities can seize the opportunity presented by the American Rescue Plan Act’s funding to rethink their local economic development strategies to favor local, independent businesses. … Read More
A statement from ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell on the American Innovation and Choice Online Act. … Read More
A new online course from ILSR will support the expansion of locally-based composting initiatives at community gardens, farms, schools, and other sites. Composting transforms food scraps and other materials into a valuable product that improves soil health, while recycling nutrients that would otherwise be disposed. Composting also helps communities reduce wasted food and combat climate change. … Read More
New research shows that electric utilities and state and local policymakers are hampering growth of solar energy in the United States through unnecessary delays and increased costs. If these issues are not resolved, communities stand to miss out on the job-creating and money-saving benefits of bringing solar to more people, including working class families, people of color, and rural households.… Read More
A new report from ILSR finds that Amazon has exploited its power as a monopoly gatekeeper to impose increasingly steep fees on the independent businesses that sell on its site. Amazon now pockets a 34 percent cut of the revenue earned by independent sellers on its site, up from 19 percent in 2014. Amazon’s steep and growing fees make it nearly impossible for independent sellers to sustain viable businesses. Most fail. … Read More
