Are Local Businesses Making a Comeback?

Styled after Harper's Index, this "Localism Index" suggests that local economies and independent businesses might just be making a comeback.

1 minute read

April 19, 2011, 9:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

The index does seem to select for positive facts -- while 437 independent bookstores have opened since 2005, how many have closed? The Nation does not say. But facts like the number of active farmers' markets (6,132) and the increase in the number of independent coffee shops since 2002 (4,923) are heartening news for local business.

As Stacey Mitchell at The Nation writes, "Perhaps we're not doomed to an economy controlled by a few giant corporations after all."

Read the full story: Localism Index

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 in The Nation

Community / Economic Development United States Economic Development Farmers Markets Urbanism Local Food Localism Local Business Chain Stores Big Box Retail View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

Start Learning

Advertise with us

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.