Advocacy & A Local Living Economy
Local First Chicago is a
proud member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE). BALLE’s
mission is to seek, “to build community wealth by catalyzing, connecting, and
strengthening local business networks dedicated to building Living Economies.”
"BALLE
believes in the power of local businesses to transform communities for
the better by working cooperatively toward a shared vision. We imagine
cities and towns of every size and political stripe engaged in shared
learning to build community assets like sustainable agriculture, green
building, renewable energy, community capital, zero-waste manufacturing
and independent retail - what we call the building blocks of Living
Economies. We envision a time when local economies not only generate
community wealth, but also are catalysts for civic action, social
diversity and ecological health -- for sustainable communities." -livingeconomies.org
With BALLE Local First Chicago can help change public policy and improve our community. But we can't do it without you! Donate to Local First Chicago today!
Living Economy Principles by BALLE
A Living Economy ensures that economic power resides locally to the greatest extent possible, sustaining vibrant, livable communities and healthy ecosystems in the process.
A Living Economy ensures that economic power resides locally to the greatest extent possible, sustaining vibrant, livable communities and healthy ecosystems in the process.
A Living Economy is guided by the following principles:
- Living economy communities produce and exchange locally as many products needed by their citizens as they reasonably can, while reaching out to other communities to trade fairly in those products they cannot reasonably produce at home. These communities value their unique character and encourage cultural exchange and cooperation.
- Living economy public policies support decentralized ownership of businesses and farms, fair wages, taxes, and budget allocations, trade policies benefiting local economies, and stewardship of the natural environment.
- Living economy citizens appreciate the benefits of buying from living economy businesses and, if necessary, are willing to pay a price premium to secure those personal and community benefits.
- Living economy investors value businesses that are community stewards and as such accept a "living return" on their financial investments rather than a maximum return, recognizing the value derived from enjoying a healthy and vibrant community and sustainable global economy.
- Living economy media provide sources of news independent of corporate control, so that citizens can make informed decisions in the best interests of their communities and natural environment.
- Living economy businesses
are independent and primarily locally owned, and value the needs and
interests of all stakeholders while building long-term profitability.
They strive to:
- Source products from businesses with similar values, with a preference for local procurement.
- Provide employees a healthy workplace with meaningful living-wage jobs.
- Offer customers personal service and useful safe, quality products.
- Work with suppliers to establish a fair exchange.
- Cooperate with other businesses in ways that balance their self-interest with their obligation to the community and future generations.
- Use their business practices to support an inclusive and healthy community, and to protect our natural environment.
- Yield a "living return" to owners and investors.