Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

159 Followers 63 Following

Building community wealth in Rhode Island through ownership and investment, particularly in neighborhoods that have experienced historical disinvestment. We just launched RI's first community investment fund at @investRI.bsky.social. LocalReturn.org

Under Move Your Money Month header, 3 boxes that read: Day #1: 3 basic ways to move money Day #2: review your March expenses Day #3: why communities need financial institutions of their very own
A map of Rhode Island with census tracts colored by "Household Income at Age 35 for Children" who grew up in those census tracts. It shows that certain neighborhoods have far worse outcomes than others, even though they may be in close proximity.
Tall man addressing crowd in front of room, gesturing.
White background, text in teal reads: I learned things I couldn't have learned anywhere else." - a Jumpstart Rhode Island graduate Smaller text reads: Jumpstart Rhode Island is a training, mentoring, and networking program for aspiring or early-stage developers who are community-minded and care about the future of Rhode Island neighborhoods. Learn more and apply by Feb. 27: localreturn.org/jumpstart-rhode-island
On teal background, red heart hands below text in white, which reads "local is my love language"
Assorted Valentine-themed illustrations in red against ivory background -- like Cupid, roses, heart shaped candy, etc. Text in middle reads You had me at....talk local to me.
Assorted Valentine-themed illustrations in red against ivory background -- like Cupid, roses, heart shaped candy, etc. Text in middle reads You had me at...I'm a coffee snob, I only drink locally-roasted.
Assorted Valentine-themed illustrations in red against ivory background -- like Cupid, roses, heart shaped candy, etc. Text in middle reads I like to pay with cash so the business doesn't have to pay the credit card companies a swipe fee.
Assorted Valentine-themed illustrations in red against ivory background -- like Cupid, roses, heart shaped candy, etc. Text in middle reads You had me at... Avon Cinema and chill?
Infographic shows 4 ways projects are de-risked through community engagement: > Compounding impact: Local ownership = local support >> fewer delays, smoother permitting, shorter development timelines > Market risk: Community buy-in boosts demand >> higher occupancy and revenue stability > Operational risk: Community governance = collaborative problem-solving >> creative responses to challenges > Systemic risk: Addresses inequality and instability that drive turnover, disengagement, and portfolio-level risk
Infographic shows 4 amplifying effects of community owned projects: 1. Initial investment: communities invest in or co-own local assets 2. Returns generated: profits, savings, or shared revenue flow back to the community 3. Reinvestment: these resources fund new initiatives -- housing, clean energy, local enterprises 4. Compounding impact: each new project multiplies benefits, creating ongoing economic and social returns for the community
On a teal-ish background, text reads: "People may be tuning out public hearings--and politics more broadly--but they are tuning in to games...Why are most people more interested in games than in democratic processes that directly impact their lives? The answer is simple. Games are designed to be enjoyable, and democracy is not." Josh A Lerner, Making Democracy Fun Bubble in corner: Join our book discussion on March 24!
Artistic and fun infographic reads: 2026 Word of the Year HYPERLOCAL because (three arrows in purple, teal, and orange point to) Walkability (in purple): We're tired of having our lives constantly dominated by (and prematurely ended by) car-oriented planning & design. Friendship (in teal): We want it to be easier to make friends and build real community with our neighbors. Resilience (in orange): When disaster strikes, we know that our immediate neighbors are our first line of defense and key to our survival.
Tealish background, big red heart, light green text that reads: Support the businesses that align with your values.
Green background, with megaphone in the left corner, in right corner lighter green text reads, "The best deals are the ones that support our community."
On red background, white text reads: What can we do to fight the credit card monopoly? - Pay cash whenever you can. - Remember that when you and friends split a bill by throwing in a few credit cards, the restaurant has to pay a fee on every card. - Ask your senator and representative to support the Credit Card Competition Act. Learn more at LocalReturn.org/news.
On red background, white text reads: Business owners, are you swamped by swipe fees? Your stories help us better advocate for competition in the credit card industry. Share with us: - How much did you pay for credit card swipe fees in 2024? - Are swipe fees among your top two or three expenses? - Do you charge customers a fee for using a credit card, offer a cash discount, or require a minimum sale for credit card purchases? DM us or email jessica @ localreturn.org
On red background, white text reads: "Inflation has been positive for us." - Visa's CEO, on an earnings call Visa and Mastercard have a monopoly on the credit card processing market. Inflation is good for them because when Americans have to pay more, they take in higher swipe fees. $111.2 billion in 2024, to be exact. Congress, pass the Credit Card Competition Act.
Church showing growth in US credit and debit card swipe fees from $71.4 billion in 2013 to $137.8 billion in 2021.
Text reads: Support the businesses that align with your values. On blue background with big red heart.
On blue background, text reads: Do you believe a local economy that supports the well-being of our people and places is possible? Are you passionate about economic self-reliance, sustainability, and responsibility? Do you strive to align your financial practices with your values? Want to be part of a growing circle of Rhode Islanders who share this commitment? Join our Public Awareness Committee. Our next meeting is Friday, January 9, at 12 noon on zoom. RSVP to jessica@localreturn.org for the link and agenda.
White text on green background reads: We are all stakeholders in Rhode Island. Let's imagine and create a new future where our economic and financial practices support our beloved communities. Give today at LocalReturn.org.
On blue background, there is a large number 5 in red. White text reads: Celebrate and build with us! We're turning 5 in February. If you value the work we do to build community wealth in Rhode Island, become a monthly donor. Your consistent support makes a world of difference, allowing us to grow and sustain our efforts.
Red background, green bow in center, blue words: GIFT LOCAL.
Three sets of gift tags, with an anchor, lighthouse, and quahog shell, reading "This gift came from an independent Rhode Island business.
Event graphic in navy, light blue, orange. Headline reads: Virtual Briefing for Small Business: How Big Retailers Get Illegal Pricing Deals and How to Fight Back. Logos for Local Return and Small Business Rising. Headshots for expert speakers Stacy Mitchell and Katherine Van Dyck. Register now at SmallBusinessRising.net.
Informational image in dark blue, light blue, and orange provides information on the event, including: Title: Virtual Briefing for Small Business / How Big Retailers Get Illegal Pricing Deals and How to Fight Back Date: Tuesday, Oct. 28th, 1 p.m. ET Expert Speakers: Stacy Mitchell, ILSR; Katherine Van Dyck, KVD Strategies PLLC Register now: SmallBusinessRising.net
A large group of smiling people
A 5 x 5 bingo scorecard titled, “We’re all economic actors. How committed are you to local returns?”