In Cities Around the Country, New Action on Commercial Affordability

Date: 27 Mar 2018 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

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

Watch: How Cities Can Create a Built Environment Where Local Businesses Thrive

Date: 9 May 2017 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

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

ILSR’s Testimony at New York City Hearing on Retail Diversity and Neighborhood Character

Date: 10 Oct 2016 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

At a recent New York City Council hearing, ILSR submitted testimony examining the importance of locally owned businesses to the City, the crisis affecting them, and examples of effective and proven policy strategies to level the playing field for these businesses.… Read More

How Rising Commercial Rents Are Threatening Independent Businesses, and What Cities Are Doing About It

Date: 20 Apr 2016 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

As the cost of leasing commercial space soars in many U.S. cities, this report examines what’s behind the skyrocketing rents and explores six broad policy strategies that cities are proposing to keep space appropriate and affordable for independent businesses. … Read More

Press Release: Skyrocketing Rents Threaten Independent Businesses, New Report Explores Solutions

Date: 20 Apr 2016 | posted in: Press Release, Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

The cost of leasing commercial space is soaring in many cities, threatening the future of independent businesses, finds a report released today from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. The report examines what’s causing commercial rents to skyrocket and explores six broad policy strategies that elected officials and community leaders are proposing to address it.… Read More