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Image: Amazon vs. Local Business
Article, Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by Olivia LaVecchia | No Comments | Updated on Nov 12, 2015

Before You Click on Amazon, Here’s Why Your Choice Matters (Infographic)

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/before-you-click-infographic/

Amazon is rapidly expanding its online empire, but behind the conveniences that the company offers are a lot of hidden costs. We put together an infographic to see how shopping at Amazon compares with shopping at local businesses in its impact on jobs, taxes, the local economy, and community. Before you click, here’s why your choice matters: Continue reading

Photo: Lowe's store.
Featured Article filed under Independent Business, The Public Good | Written by Olivia LaVecchia | 15 Comments | Updated on Jun 16, 2015

For Cities, Big-Box Stores Are Becoming Even More of a Terrible Deal

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/dark-store-tax-tactic-makes-big-box-stores-terrible-deal-for-cities/

Under what has become known as the “dark store” method, big-box retailers are declaring their busy stores to be functionally obsolescent and therefore nearly worthless for tax purposes —and they’re winning big judgments for back taxes. It’s the latest example of the way that, even as local governments continue to bend over backwards to attract big-box development, these stores are consistently a terrible deal. Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Rebecca Toews | No Comments | Updated on Feb 21, 2015

Chris responds to President Obama’s endorsement of community networks on MPR’s “Daily Circuit”

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/chris-responds-to-president-obamas-endorsement-of-community-networks-on-mprs-daily-circuit/

Minnesota Public Radio’s Daily Circuit (MPR) interviewed Chris about President Obama’s recent endorsment to end restrictions on states that limit local broadband authority. Chris and Danna Mackenzie, executive director of the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, answered questions about what Obama’s announcement means for faster, cheaper, more reliable Internet for consumers.  Chris explained that it’s… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Rebecca Toews | No Comments | Updated on Feb 17, 2015

Community Broadband Media Roundup – February 13, 2015

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/community-broadband-media-roundup-february-13-2015/

The FCC’s decision to change the definition of broadband continues to make ripples in the muni broadband world. With the speed increased from 4 Mbps down, 1 Mbps up, to 25 Mbps down, 3 Mbps up, 75% of the country is now classified as having either no service, or no choices for their Internet connection…. Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Rebecca Toews | No Comments | Updated on Feb 17, 2015

Community Broadband Media Roundup – February 13, 2015

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/community-broadband-media-roundup-february-13-2015-2/

The FCC’s decision to change the definition of broadband continues to make ripples in the muni broadband world. With the speed increased from 4 Mbps down, 1 Mbps up, to 25 Mbps down, 3 Mbps up, 75% of the country is now classified as having either no service, or no choices for their Internet connection…. Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by ILSR Admin | No Comments | Updated on Oct 16, 2014

California Law Offers New Way to Finance Broadband Projects

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/california-law-offers-new-way-to-finance-broadband-projects/

On September 29th, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that may make building community networks in his state just a bit easier. The memorably-named “Assembly Bill No. 2292” allows broadband projects to be included among the types of public works that can be financed using Infrastructure Financing Districts (IFDs). IFDs are entities… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Sep 9, 2014

First Muni Fiber Net in Maine – Community Broadband Bits Episode 115

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/first-muni-fiber-net-in-maine-community-broadband-bits-episode-115/

By building a fiber line to allow some local businesses to get next-generation Internet access, Rockport became the first municipal fiber network in the state of Maine. Town Manager Richard Bates joins us for episode 115 of the Community Broadband Bits podcast. We discuss the financing behind the network and their partnership with local Internet… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Aug 26, 2014

Muni Fiber in Rural Massachusetts – Community Broadband Bits Podcast 113

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/muni-fiber-in-rural-massachusetts-community-broadband-bits-podcast-113/

Though much of western Massachusetts has poor access to the Internet, the town of Leverett is in the midst of fiber build that will offer a gigabit to anyone who wants it. Peter d’Errico, on the town Select Board, has been part of the project from the start and Chairs the Broadband Committee. He joins… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by ILSR Admin | No Comments | Updated on Aug 22, 2014

Rockport Builds Maine’s First Municipal Network

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/rockport-builds-maines-first-municipal-network/

Rockport, a coastal town of just 3,300, became a statewide leader last month by launching Maine’s first municipal broadband network. Offering symmetrical gigabit speeds to businesses and residents, Rockport’s network is a carrier-neutral dark fiber system, with local private provider GWI offering retail services.  The reach of the network is limited, as it consists of… Continue reading

Article filed under Broadband | Written by ILSR Admin | No Comments | Updated on Jul 30, 2014

Rural Indiana Looks to Tax Increment Financing to Build Fiber Networks

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at https://ilsr.org/rural-indiana-looks-to-tax-increment-financing-to-build-fiber-networks/

Wabash County, Indiana wants to expand its access to high speed internet through a fiber optic network build out, and is planning to use a distinctive financial tool to do so. The Wabash County Redevelopment Commission has begun the process of assigning a special Economic Development Area designation for the purpose of helping to finance… Continue reading