Watch: Stacy Mitchell on Amazon’s Stealth Invasion
In this talk, Stacy Mitchell discusses the findings of ILSR’s groundbreaking report on Amazon, and what the company’s growing dominance means for small businesses, jobs, and communities.… Read More
In Jersey City, a Policy Fosters Local Independent Businesses
In downtown Jersey City, a familiar story is playing out: Independent business owners have helped foster neighborhood growth, and now, chain stores are interested in sweeping in with their own locations. What’s different in Jersey City is that the city has taken proactive steps to check this common cycle, and instead, build a model that allows for more opportunity for local entrepreneurs.… Read More
Watch San Francisco’s AnMarie Rodgers on How the City’s Formula Business Policy Works
In this 30-minute talk, AnMarie Rodgers, Senior Policy Advisor in the City of San Francisco Planning Department, breaks down the nuts-and-bolts of San Francisco’s pioneering formula business ordinance. She talks about how the city implemented the policy, how it works and how well it works — and what advice she has for other cities that want to do it too.… Read More
Watch ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell on Why Cities Need Independent Businesses
In this 20-minute talk, ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell looks at why cities need independent businesses, and also at some of the issues that are facing these businesses today — and why cities should use public policy to respond.… Read More
Watch ILSR’s Olivia LaVecchia on Strategies for Cities to Support Locally Owned Businesses
In this 20-minute talk, ILSR’s Olivia LaVecchia breaks down strategies that cities can use to support their local economy.… Read More
Watch ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell Speak on Amazon at Briefing for Members of Congress
The briefing, which was held by the House Judiciary Committee Democrats and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, comes as there is increasing concern about the power of large tech companies, including Amazon.… Read More
ILSR Moderates Workshop at the National League of Cities Conference on “Creating a City Where Small Businesses Thrive”
A thriving small business sector leads to more job growth, less inequality, higher median incomes, and stronger social bonds in your community. Yet aspiring entrepreneurs don’t have it easy. To help city leaders address the challenges facing independent businesses, ILSR organized and moderated a workshop at the City Summit 2017 conference put on by the National League of Cities in November.… Read More
Media Outlets Cover ILSR Speaking Events on Amazon’s Impact on Vermont
In November, ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell and Olivia LaVecchia traveled to Vermont for two events looking at the threat that Amazon poses to Vermont’s local economies. Here’s a roundup of stories in which state and local outlets cited ILSR’s work and provided information about the events in Vermont.… Read More
Amazon is Hurting Most Independent Retailers, but They’re Weathering the Storm Better than the Chains, Survey Finds
The retail industry is experiencing significant upheaval, but almost all of the reporting on the issue has focused on national chains. Now, a national survey finds that shifts in retail are playing out differently for independents. While 90% of independent retailers report that Amazon is negatively affecting their businesses, they also say that their distinct strengths are helping them weather the storm better than many national chains.… Read More