In Boston, City Council Members Introduce Proposal to Regulate Chain Stores
Boston is the latest city to introduce a formula business proposal, which would make national chains a conditional use throughout the city. … Read More
Watch San Francisco’s AnMarie Rodgers on How the City’s Formula Business Policy Works
In this 30-minute talk, AnMarie Rodgers, Senior Policy Advisor in the City of San Francisco Planning Department, breaks down the nuts-and-bolts of San Francisco’s pioneering formula business ordinance. She talks about how the city implemented the policy, how it works and how well it works — and what advice she has for other cities that want to do it too.… Read More
Watch ILSR’s Olivia LaVecchia on Strategies for Cities to Support Locally Owned Businesses
In this 20-minute talk, ILSR’s Olivia LaVecchia breaks down strategies that cities can use to support their local economy.… Read More
8 Policy Strategies Cities Can Use to Support Local Businesses
Independent businesses are among the best engines that cities have for advancing economic opportunity. But they’re disappearing in many places. This isn’t, in large part, because these businesses aren’t competitive. It’s because misguided public policy and concentrated market power are working against them. In this policy brief, we present 8 ways that cities can level the playing field and ensure that local businesses have the opportunity to start, grow, and thrive.… Read More
Watch: How Cities Can Create a Built Environment Where Local Businesses Thrive
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
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
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