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 | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Nov 27, 2012

Free Checking is Rare at Big Banks, Common at Small

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/free-checking-rare-big-banks-common-small/

While just 24 percent of big banks offer totally free checking, more than 60 percent of credit unions and small banks do, according to a new report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The report also found that credit unions and small banks have lower fees on average and do a better job of disclosing fees to prospective customers. Continue reading

Featured Article filed under Banking | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 1 Comment | Updated on Sep 15, 2011

How State Banks Bring the Money Home

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/how-state-banks-bring-money-home/

One of the most significant consequences of the consolidation of banking over the last decade is how much it has hindered the economy’s ability to create jobs. There’s no single solution to this problem, but one of the most promising strategies involves creating state-owned banks that can bolster the lending capacity of local banks, helping them grow and multiply. 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

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

Featured Article, Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | 21 Comments | Updated on Apr 9, 2012

Broadband at the Speed of Light

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

The fastest networks in the nation are built by local governments, a new report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Benton Foundation reveals Chattanooga, Tennessee, is well known for being the first community with citywide access to a “gig,” or the fastest residential connections to the Internet available nationally. Less known are Bristol, Virginia,… 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 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

Screen shot of the Greatest Most Interactive U.S. Solar Grid Parity Map from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jan 14, 2013

The Most Amazing, Interactive U.S. Solar Grid Parity Map

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/amazing-interactive-u-s-solar-grid-parity-map/

Within a decade, 300,000 megawatts of unsubsidized local solar power could compete with utility electricity prices in almost every state, enough clean energy to produce 10% of U.S. electricity. Grid parity is building like a relentless wave, but how much solar is at parity today? In 2016? In 2020? On homes or businesses? With incentives… 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

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 filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on May 13, 2013

After 20 Years, Congress May Finally Pass Internet Sales Tax. Is it Too Late?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/20-years-congress-finally-pass-internet-sales-tax-late/

Not having to charge sales tax fueled Amazon’s growth for nearly 20 years. While it’s impossible not to see the company as a horse that’s already out the barn door, there’s still good reason to believe that the Marketplace Fairness Act will slow Amazon’s consolidation of retailing and provide benefit to independent businesses. 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

Featured Article, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 9 Comments | Updated on Dec 1, 2012

Why We Can’t Shop Our Way to a Better Economy: Stacy Mitchell’s TEDx Talk

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

In this TEDx talk, delivered on October 20, 2012 at TEDxDirigo‘s Villages conference at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, conference, ILSR Senior Researcher Stacy Mitchell argues for a new phase in the local economy movement. She notes that there’s been a resurgence of support for small farms, local businesses, and community banks, but argues: “As remarkable… 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 Feb 6, 2013

The End of the Post Office as a Public Institution?

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

“When the post office is closed, the flag comes down. When the human side of government closes its doors, we’re all in trouble.” Senator Jennings Randolph (West Virginia) 1958-85 For the post office the end game is on. This year the post office will close half its processing centers. By late spring a first… 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

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

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 Composting, Waste to Wealth | Written by Brenda Platt | No Comments | Updated on Feb 5, 2013

MD Seminar on Compost BMPs for Watershed Protection

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/md-seminar-compost-bmps-watershed-protection/

Tools exist that can remove up to 96% of stormwater pollutants. Are you interested? Attend this FREE seminar on March 5, 2013, to learn how compost-based BMPs can dramatically reduce sediment and targeted pollutants entering the Chesapeake Bay. ILSR has partnered with local watershed and organizations to sponsor this event. Scientists from Filtrexx International and… Continue reading

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Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Jul 7, 2006

David Morris Discusses Ethanol on Almanac

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

Analysis: David Morris on Ethanol Issues in the Midwest – Twin Cities Public Television’s Almanac Continue reading

filed under General | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jul 6, 2006

David Morris Discusses Biofuels and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles on Inside Renewable Energy

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-discusses-biofuels-and-plugin-hybrid-electric-vehicles-inside-renewable-energy/

David Morris on Biofuels and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles – on Inside Renewable Energy by RenewableEnergyAccess.com
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Resource filed under Broadband | Written by Becca | No Comments | Updated on Jun 28, 2006

Becca Vargo Daggett Discusses Public Ownership on Wi-Fi Networking News

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/becca-vargo-daggett-discusses-public-ownership-wifi-networking-news/

Becca Vargo Daggett Discusses Public Ownership on Wi-Fi Networking News
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Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Jun 21, 2006

The New Ethanol Future Demands a New Public Policy

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/the-new-ethanol-future-demands-a-new-public-policy/

The New Ethanol Future Demands a New Public Policy by David Morris, Vice President Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) June 21, 2006 This document is an expanded version of “An Ear for the Market,” an opinion piece published in the New York Times. Ethanol’s time has arrived. After 25 years of fighting just to survive… Continue reading

filed under Broadband | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 14, 2006

Commons Knowledge

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

The first and only issue of Commons Knowledge, subtitle: Irregular Reports From the Municipal Telecom Front, featured an article about the COPE Act; a new broadband study from Saint Paul, Minnesota; and the ParkWiFi Pilot in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.

Commons Knowledge promotes publicly owned, open access broadband infrastructure and news of communities that are exploring their options in this area.

filed under Waste to Wealth | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 13, 2006

Susquehanna Deconstruction Pilot Project Summary

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

Spring 2006 ILSR in cooperation with Penn State’s Hamer Center for Community Design conducted a second deconstruction pilot project to determine cost-effective methods to remove lumber and other materials from an NTI abandoned house. The US Environmental Protection Agency funded the project and the City of Philadelphia provided the house for deconstruction. Kevin Brooks Salvage… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 2, 2006

Ensuring a Future for Independent Businesses

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

This talk was sponsored by the American Booksellers Association and given at Book Expo America, an industry trade show, in Washington, D.C. on May 19, 2006. Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Deconstruction, Waste to Wealth, Zero Waste & Economic Development | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Jun 1, 2006

Builders’ Guide to Reuse & Recycling: A Directory for Construction & Demolition Materials in the Metropolitan Washington Region

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/now-available-builders-guide-to-reuse-recycling-a-directory-for-construction-demolition-materials-in-the-metropolitan-washington-region/

This 44-page pocket-sized directory — produced by ILSR for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments — lists 110 businesses reusing or recycling building materials in the Washington, DC region. It also includes Tips for Recycling Success at the Job Site and Frequently Asked Questions on how to recycle construction and demolition materials. June 2006 Directory… Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on May 17, 2006

David Morris on WCCO’s Good Question – What is E85?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-wccos-good-question-what-e85/

ILSR’s Vice President, David Morris, was interviewed on WCCO’s "Good Question" segment that answered questions about E85. Segment aired May 17, 2006. Continue reading

Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on May 9, 2006

10 Reasons Why Maine’s Homegrown Economy Matters: And 50 Proven Ways to Revive It

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/10-reasons-why-maines-homegrown-economy-matters-and-50-proven-ways-revive-it/

This report opens with an overview of research on the impacts of large chain stores and the benefits of locally owned businesses. It then outlines dozens of concrete strategies to rebuild the homegrown economy. Although this report was written for Maine, the strategies are applicable in other states. Continue reading

filed under Broadband | Written by Becca | No Comments | Updated on Apr 24, 2006

Wireless Philadelphia – Earthlink Contract: Highlights

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

Philadelphia and Earthlink have developed the first contract between a major city and a private network owner for citywide wireless. This paper presents the highlights of the Wireless Philadelphia Broadband Network Agreement between Earthlink and Wireless Philadelphia (the city government-chartered non-profit), with my comments in italics. At the end is a summary of the overall lessons cities might learn from Philadelphia’s experience.

This is not a complete representation of the contract. Rather, I have emphasized those points that have not been included in news reports but re important to other cities considering privately owned citywide wireless networks.

filed under General | Written by admin | No Comments | Updated on Apr 19, 2006

David Morris Discusses America’s Oil Addiction on NPR’s On Point Program

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-discusses-americas-oil-addiction-nprs-point-program/

David Morris Discusses America’s Oil Addiction on NPR’s On Point Program
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Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Apr 12, 2006

David Morris on the Future of Gas Prices and Electric Vehicles on MPR’s Midday

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-future-gas-prices-and-electric-vehicles-mprs-midday/

David Morris is one of the guests discussing the future of gas prices and the future of electric vehicles – Minnesota Public Radio’s Midday Program Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Apr 5, 2006

David Morris Discusses Ethanol Futures on Bloomberg Television

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/david-morris-discusses-ethanol-futures-bloomberg-television/

April 5, 2006 – David Morris on the price of ethanol futures – Bloomberg Television Continue reading

Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Mar 28, 2006

The Once and Future Carbohydrate Economy

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

The carbohydrate economy could transform agriculture as well as energy, reviving producer co-ops, and giving farmers a hedge against voilatile commodity prices. For the first time in 60 years, the carbohydrate economy is back on the public-policy agenda. It is an exciting historical opportunity, but one we should approach with deliberation and foresight.

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