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 this 20-minute talk, ILSR’s Olivia LaVecchia breaks down strategies that cities can use to support their local economy.… Read More
Arizona Local First leader Kimber Lanning published this argument in favor of small businesses in CEOs for Cities and detailed exactly why those cities do a better job when they enable a strong local business environment, using our research to undergird her arguments.… 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
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
