A significantly larger number of federal relief loans are reaching small businesses in states where small, local banks comprise a greater share of the market, compared to states where big banks are more dominant, an ILSR analysis has found. … Read More
ILSR worked with Zero Waste Associates to co-author Baltimore’s Fair Development Plan for Zero Waste. The plan provides a step by step guide to transitioning the city away from incineration and toward recycling, composting and reuse, which will expand the economy by 1,800 jobs within two years. … Read More
This white paper, put together by a team of community solar specialists, offers guidance for those working to establish equitable community solar programs. It details 30 policy/program guidelines for municipal utility administrators, policymakers, and advocates of accessible solar for all.… Read More
This report examines community choice energy, a policy giving cities and counties the right to purchase energy on behalf of electricity customers. Enabled in 9 states, community choice agencies are revolutionizing the utility model by offering cheaper, cleaner energy that aligns with local goals.… Read More
Originally published in 2017, our report, Cooperatives Fiberize Rural America: A Trusted Model for the Internet Era, focuses on cooperatives as a proven model for deploying fiber optic Internet access across the country. An update in the spring of 2019 included additional information about the rate co-ops are expanding Internet service, and now we’ve updated it … Read More
It’s been a tremendous year for ILSR and for our work fighting corporate control and building local power across the economy. Our 2019 Annual Report outlines some of the progress we’ve made this year. In addition to the many policy victories and accomplishments we’ve had, we’ve also quietly celebrated our 45th birthday! … Read More
ILSR’s Independent Business Survey offers insight and guidance to elected officials looking to build a more equitable, entrepreneurial, competitive, and dynamic economy.… Read More
Decades after bringing electricity and telephone services to America’s rural households, cooperatives are tackling a new challenge: the rural digital divide. … Read More
In 43 metropolitan areas and 160 smaller markets, Walmart controls 50 percent or more of the local grocery market. No other corporation in history has ever amassed this degree of control over the U.S. food system. Our findings provide a stark illustration of the failings of contemporary antitrust policy.… Read More
