Learn More About Local Living Economies

Local First Chicago is part of a growing movement aimed at preserving local economies.

Local First Members

Do you have an idea of what Local First Chicago can do for your business or community? Contact Mia Fioritto at 773.988.2006 or at mia@localfirstchicago.org.

You can also read more about your member benefits here.

Join Local First Chicago

If you’re the owner of a local, independent business, or the leader of a community group that wants to support locals in your neighborhood, or an individual looking to keep your community unique and vibrant, join our campaign!

Join Our Mailing List

Media and Research Links

Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE)
www.livingeconomies.org
The national organization of which Local First Chicago is a chapter

Civic Economics
The Austin Study:
http://www.civiceconomics.com/Lamar_Retail_Analysis_Executive_Summary.pdf
The Andersonville Study:
www.andersonvillestudy.com
Civic Economics is the consulting firm that did the study in Austin, TX comparing the economic impact of locally owned, independent book & record store vs. a proposed Borders. Their study on Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood is due to be completed by early August, 2004.

New Rules
http://www.newrules.org/retail/index.php
A project of the Institute for Local Self Reliance, the retail section of their website is a cornucopia of information about building “Main Street” businesses, i.e., locally owned, independent.