Initiatives

Banking

Overview

The financial crisis and its economic aftershocks have spawned the first serious examination of the structure of our current banking system and the public policies that have fueled consolidation over the last 30 years and untethered financial institutions from their communities.

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Featured Article filed under Banking, Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 5 Comments | Updated on Oct 17, 2012

Too Big to Lend

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/big-lend/

A critical function of our banking system is financing small businesses. But big banks are doing a rotten job of it. At the nation’s largest banks, small business lending has plunged 33% since 2009. Trying to cajole or compel them to do more won’t make much difference because the problem is largely inherent to their scale. Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Banking, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | 5 Comments | Updated on Mar 1, 2011

And The Academy Award for Cowardice Goes To….

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/and-the-academy-award-for-cowardice-goes-to/

After winning an Oscar for Best Documentary for Inside Job, Charles Ferguson injected some much-needed real world relevance amidst the fabulously glitzy proceedings. Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Banking | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 1 Comment | Updated on Mar 18, 2011

Why Republicans Hate Warren’s CFPB But Love Another Bank Regulator

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/why-republicans-hate-warrens-cfpb-love-another-bank-regulator/

What’s really at issue in the fight over the CFPB is not how the agency is structured or how much power it will have, but whose interests it serves. Continue reading

Biomaterials

Overview

In 1992, ILSR’s work on plant derived plastics and other materials led to our co-hosting the first International Workshop on Biodegradability. The concept of a Carbohydrate Economy – one that uses plant-based chemicals to replace petro-chemicals – was born...

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Featured Article, Resource filed under Biomaterials, Composting, Waste to Wealth | Written by Brenda Platt | No Comments | Updated on Jul 30, 2012

Atlanta Airport Launches Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/atlanta-airport-launches-compostable-foodservice-ware-packet/

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA) sends more than 19,000 tons of waste to Georgia landfills each year. Food scraps are the single largest component of HJAIA waste, making up about one-third of this tonnage. HJAIA has a goal to divert 50% of its waste from landfill disposal by 2015. Composting food waste is essential to reach this goal, and switching to compostable food packaging will enable successful food residuals recovery. Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Biomaterials, Composting, Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Oct 11, 2012

Exemptions/Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/atlanta-airport-exemptions-added/

The Sustainable Food Court Initiative (SFCI) Airport Pilot, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, works closely with the SFCI Team to bring sustainable operating practices to their operations, especially regarding food waste. In early 2012 the Atlanta Airport made a bold statement in the new concessionaire contract, the largest foodservice contract executed in North America. Continue reading

Broadband

Overview

Access to the Internet is an essential infrastructure for any community that cares about economic development, quality of life, and educational opportunities. Unfortunately, most communities are presently dependent on a few unaccountable absentee corporations that act as gatekeepers to...

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Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Mar 6, 2013

“The Monopoly Magnate”

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/ilsr-launches-new-comic/

ILSR is following HB 282, restrictive legislation moving through the Georgia General Assembly. The bill would effectively end the ability for existing networks to expand. Communities considering investing in their own telecommunications networks would face almost insurmountable financial and practical hurdles. As the bill is heavily lobbied by incumbent telecom giants, local leaders make the… Continue reading

Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Apr 3, 2013

Broadband 101 Fact Sheet

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/ilsrreleases-new-broadband-101-fact-sheet-2/

ILSR’s fact sheet is a reliable quick reference guide for policymakers and citizens. As discussion about the telecommunications landscape expands, language about broadband abounds. In order to make informed decisions without stumbling over terminology, ILSR has assembled some basic facts about broadband. This fact sheet is a great reference for anyone who may take up… Continue reading

Photo of Christopher Mitchell by Glenn Ricart

Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Apr 22, 2013

Community Networks Gaining Traction Nationwide

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/community-networks-gaining-traction/

Christopher Mitchell, Director of the Telecommunications as Commons Initiative has been spending many hours on the road these days. Why? Interest in publicly owned broadband networks continues to grow as communities search for savings, economic development, and connectivity on the local level and more organizations seek out Chris’ expertise. From policy to implementation, ILSR continues to… Continue reading

Energy

Overview

Wind and sun are available everywhere, so renewable energy can be economically harnessed at small scales across the country. This nature of renewable energy, and the exponential increase of renewable energy generation, promises to decentralize the nation’s grid system. ...

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Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 19, 2013

How a City Can Get More Clean, Local Energy

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/city-clean-local-energy/

Like many cities attempting to solve climate change at a local level, Minneapolis is finding the prospect more challenging that it may have imagined. The lion’s share of emissions (two-thirds in the case of Minneapolis) come from electricity and gas sold by two monopoly, corporate utilities. Minnesota’s state-level policy is helping: a renewable energy standard… Continue reading

Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 21, 2013

Steve Johnson: Episode 3 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/steve-johnson-episode-3-local-energy-rules-podcast/

In this edition of Local Energy Rules, John Farrell and Wade Underwood speak with Steve Johnson of Convergence Energy about a successful 660 kilowatt community solar project near Delavan, WI. The project required 33 separate LLCs to take advantage of the state’s net metering rules, and also used the limited-time federal cash grant program to… Continue reading

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Featured Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 4 Comments | Updated on Feb 8, 2013

Germany Has More Solar Power Because Everyone Wins

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/germany-solar-power-wins/

Suddenly everyone knows about Germany’s solar power dominance because Fox Newsheads made an ass of themselves, suggesting that the country is a sunny, tropical paradise. Most media folks have figured out that there are some monster differences in policy (e.g. a feed-in tariff), but then latch on to the “Germans pay a lot extra” meme. … Continue reading

Independent Business

Overview

Over the last 25 years, a handful of giant retailers have grown to dominate the U.S. economy. ILSR challenges the wisdom of this market concentration. Through research and analysis, we have built a compelling case that places that are home to...

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Featured Article, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 15 Comments | Updated on Dec 1, 2012

How Walmart is Devouring the Food System (Infographic)

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/infographic-walmart-food/

Walmart now captures $1 of every $4 Americans spend on groceries. It’s on track to claim one-third of food sales within five years. Here’s a look at how Walmart has dramatically altered the food system — triggering massive consolidation, driving down prices to farmers, and leaving more families struggling to afford healthy food. Continue reading

Featured Article, ILSR Press Room, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Feb 6, 2013

Survey Finds Independent Businesses Benefit from “Buy Local First” Campaigns, But Challenges Loom

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/2013-independent-business-survey/

ILSR’s annual survey has found that independent businesses experienced solid revenue growth in 2012, buoyed in part by “buy local first” initiatives. But the survey also documented challenges facing independent businesses, most notably an increase in “showrooming” and competition from online retailers, tax and subsidy policies that favor their big competitors, difficulty obtaining loans, and a customer base still reeling from the recession. Continue reading

The Public Good

Overview

At the founding of the American Republic the word “private” had pejorative connotations. Derived from the Latin word “privare”, private meant to divide or tear apart. A privateer was a pirate. The word “public” was an honorable adjective, often...

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Featured Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Jan 4, 2013

Who Should Pay the Costs of Climate Disasters?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/pay-costs-climate-disasters/

Who should pay the costs of climate disasters? In light of the current debate in the United States about federal assistance to Hurricane Sandy victims and the recent debate at the recent Doha Climate Conference about international assistance for climate change victims, that has become an increasingly pressing question for humankind. The frequency and cost… Continue reading

Featured Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Dec 19, 2012

Should We Subsidize Giving?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/subsidize-giving/

Robert J. Shiller, Professor of Economics and Finance at Yale recently weighed in with his perspective on subsidizing charity with a New York Times column whose title clearly conveys his message: “Please Don’t Mess With the Charitable Deduction.” There is a case to be made for charitable deductions. Regrettably, this isn’t it. Shiller offers three… Continue reading

Featured Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on May 11, 2013

Why Won’t Conservatives Let Communities Decide for Themselves?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/conservatives-communities-decide-themselves/

In his 1996 State of the Union Address Democratic President Bill Clinton famously declared, “the era of big government is over.” And during his tenure he did everything he could to make that true–deregulating the telecommunications and the financial industry, enacting a free trade agreement severely restricting the authority of the federal government to protect… Continue reading

Waste to Wealth

Overview

ILSR's Waste to Wealth program helps communities across the country create policies and practices that address citizens' environmental concerns and economic needs. We help citizens fight the incinerators and landfills that pollute their air and water, and drive property...

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Our Projects

Featured Article, Resource filed under Composting, Waste to Wealth | Written by Brenda Platt | No Comments | Updated on May 8, 2013

Composting Supports Jobs and Healthy Watersheds, Say New ILSR Reports

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/paydirt/

Two new reports from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s Composting Makes $en$e Project document the importance of expanded composting and compost use to enhance soils, protect watersheds, reduce waste, and create green jobs and a new made-in-America industrial sector. For press release, click here. With compostable material making up almost one-half of municipal solid waste, there… Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jan 21, 2013

New Mexico Recycling Industry Poised to Add 5,000 Jobs

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/nm-recycling-industry-poised-add-5000-jobs/

A new report released by the New Mexico Recycling Coalition (NMRC) details the estimated number of jobs in the recycling industry and predicts how many jobs could be gained through increased recycling activities. It is estimated that close to 5,000 new direct, indirect and induced jobs will be created in New Mexico when the state recycling rate reaches 34%. Continue reading

Viewing all Articles Page 67 of 228

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Becca | No Comments | Updated on Mar 22, 2012

San Jose Hopes 3rd Time is the Charm for Muni Wi-Fi

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/san-jose-hopes-3rd-time-charm-muni-wi-fi

In an attempt to regain some of its Silicon Valley shine, San Jose, California is taking another run at municipal Wi-Fi. The city hopes that by covering a 1.5 square mile block of downtown with fast, robust wireless Internet access, it will become more attractive to the technology entrepreneurs who have, in recent years, been… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Mar 22, 2012

In Washington, Pend Orielle Commissioner Makes Case for Retail Authority

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/washington-pend-orielle-commissioner-makes-case-retail-authority

In past reporting, we have briefly discussed Pend Orielle PUD’s efforts at filling the broadband service gap in rural areas. People living in rural areas, while possibly needing connecti… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 13 Comments | Updated on Mar 21, 2012

Rooftop Revolution: Changing Everything with Cost-Effective Local Solar

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/rooftop-revolution-changing-everything-with-cost-effective-local-solar/

With the cost of solar power plunging and retail electric prices rising, 100 million Americans in the nation’s largest cities will be able to “go solar” for a lower price than grid electricity in the next ten years. Seizing this opportunity requires rethinking electricity policy and planning even while solar produces less than 1% of… Continue reading

Article, ILSR Press Room filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Mar 21, 2012

New Report: Rooftop Revolution Changes Everything with Cost-Effective Local Solar

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/new-repor-rooftop-revolution-changes-everything-with-cost-effective-local-solar/

Within ten years, 100 million Americans in the nation’s largest cities will be able to get cheaper electricity from rooftop solar than their utility provides. That’s just the opening salvo from a new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. “Rooftop Revolution: Changing Everything with Cost-Effective Solar,” not only illustrates the enormous, emerging potential for local solar power, but also describes how the rules of the electricity system must change now for the electricity system to be ready for the decade’s energy democracy opportunity. Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Mar 20, 2012

Big Bucks: Why North Carolina Outlawed Community Networks

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/big-bucks-why-north-carolina-outlawed-community-networks

Less than a year after North Carolina became the 19th state to create barriers to community networks, effectively outlawing them, the non-partisan organization Follow the Money has crunched the… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Mar 20, 2012

Milwaukee Contemplates Its Chance to Be The Next Chattanooga

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/milwaukee-contemplates-its-chance-be-next-chattanooga

A recent article by Chloe Morrison on Nooga.com, highlighted the inquiries and envy from all over the globe about Chattanooga’s awesome community fiber network. According to Rick Barrett of the… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Mar 19, 2012

Last Chance to Apply for Summer Gig Tank

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/last-chance-apply-summer-gig-tank

Chattanooga has established a summer program for forward-thinking people to explore a world effectively without bandwidth limitations (thanks to their community fiber network) — the Gig Tank i… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Mar 14, 2012

Chelan PUD Asks the People What the Future Holds for Their Fiber-Optic Network

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/chelan-pud-asks-people-what-future-holds-their-fiber-optic-network

Chelan PUD is asking the people of their rural community whether they “love” or “just like” their beleaguered and pioneering fiber-optic network. At a series of public input meetings to… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Mar 14, 2012

ILSR Welcomes Lisa Gonzalez

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/ilsr-welcomes-lisa-gonzalez

Lisa Gonzalez has joined the Institute for Local Self-Reliance as a broadband researcher. We are excited to have her and look forward to seeing some of her work show up here on Community Broadband Networks.
A little background on Lisa:
Lisa Gonzalez h… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Mar 13, 2012

Rural Kentucky Telephone Access Threatened by Additional Legislation

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/rural-kentucky-telephone-access-threatened-additional-legislation

The National Rural Assembly, an advocate for America’s hinterland, continues to track harmful legislation moving through the Kentucky Legislature. The assembly’s Rural Broadband Policy Group&nb… Continue reading

Overview

And The Academy Award for Cowardice Goes To….

Why Republicans Hate Warren’s CFPB But Love Another Bank Regulator

Overview

Atlanta Airport Launches Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet

Exemptions/Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet

Overview

“The Monopoly Magnate”

Broadband 101 Fact Sheet

Community Networks Gaining Traction Nationwide

Overview

How a City Can Get More Clean, Local Energy

Steve Johnson: Episode 3 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

Germany Has More Solar Power Because Everyone Wins

Overview

How Walmart is Devouring the Food System (Infographic)

Survey Finds Independent Businesses Benefit from “Buy Local First” Campaigns, But Challenges Loom

Overview

Who Should Pay the Costs of Climate Disasters?

Should We Subsidize Giving?

Why Won’t Conservatives Let Communities Decide for Themselves?

Overview

Our Projects

Composting Supports Jobs and Healthy Watersheds, Say New ILSR Reports

New Mexico Recycling Industry Poised to Add 5,000 Jobs

Strengthening communities for more than 35 years!

Viewing all Articles Page 67 of 228

San Jose Hopes 3rd Time is the Charm for Muni Wi-Fi

In Washington, Pend Orielle Commissioner Makes Case for Retail Authority

Rooftop Revolution: Changing Everything with Cost-Effective Local Solar

New Report: Rooftop Revolution Changes Everything with Cost-Effective Local Solar

Big Bucks: Why North Carolina Outlawed Community Networks

Milwaukee Contemplates Its Chance to Be The Next Chattanooga

Last Chance to Apply for Summer Gig Tank

Chelan PUD Asks the People What the Future Holds for Their Fiber-Optic Network

ILSR Welcomes Lisa Gonzalez

Rural Kentucky Telephone Access Threatened by Additional Legislation

Thank you for your interest in ILSR