One of the most influential drivers of localization worldwide is the Transition Towns movement, launched by Rob Hopkins in the United Kingdom, which has inspired initiatives in literally thousands of communities. “The Transition Network,” according to its web site, “is a charitable organisation whose role is to inspire, encourage, connect, support and train communities as …
I’m pleased to report that crowdfunding reform has just reached an important milestone in the state where I live—Maryland. Legislation just passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Marty O’Malley now allows every Maryland resident to lend up to $100 to any local business with virtually no legal hassles whatsoever. The fact …
Over the past year probably a dozen current or aspiring state legislators have asked me for advice on what kinds of legislation they might advocate that could support local living economies. While there’s a long list that comes to mind, here are my top ten items. (I’ve excluded from this reforms related to community capital …
Thanks for dropping by. Chances are you “surfed” here because you are interested in local economies. And that’s the core of what you’ll find on this site: news, events, books, studies, legislation, people, conferences, and trends concerning local economies. This is a place for anyone who believes in the power of local ownership, locally owned …
Over the coming weeks, the long-awaited green light from the Securities Exchange Commission will usher in a new era of crowdfunding in the United States. But a surprising new development in the field is that many companies may turn to crowdfunding, not just for to raise capital, but to raise their profile. My friend Jason …
