Local Return

We propose 10 state and federal policies that strengthen Rhode Island's local economies and build community wealth. localreturn.org/2026-policy-...

Book Club: Making Democracy Fun – Local Return Join us to discuss Making Democracy Fun: How Game Design Can Empower Citizens and Transform Politics by Josh A. Lerner.

Join us for this discussion of Making Democracy Fun by Josh Lerner on March 24.

Today's the day! Apply for Local Return’s Jumpstart RI small-scale real estate development cohort!

Jumpstart Training Cohort – Local Return For our pilot cohort, we are focusing on residents of Providence and people planning to develop in the city, specifically people who have a commitment and connection to Providence. Our next training…

15 hours to go: The Jumpstart Rhode Island deadline is midnight tonight!

Wealth in Rhode Island: Who, How, What, and So What? – Local Return

We are so pleased to host this important RI250 conversation about the history of wealth in Rhode Island with four insightful conversationalists: Dr. Taino Palermo, @sethrockman.bsky.social, Lorén Spears, and Keith Stokes.

Tall man addressing crowd in front of room, gesturing.

Our @joshdaly.bsky.social is happy to be at @mainstreetri.bsky.social’s session on economic vitality today!

We're extending the deadline *one more time* -- call it the blizzard effect. You now have until Wednesday, March 4 to apply.

Jumpstart Rhode Island – Local Return Jumpstart Rhode Island works to revitalize Rhode Island through training, mentoring, and networking for local aspiring developers. Our program is modeled on the unique community development program…

Want to strengthen the fabric of your neighborhood? Build your own economic security? Join us for three Saturdays this spring. Jumpstart Rhode Island applications are due this Friday.

Jumpstart Rhode Island – Local Return Jumpstart Rhode Island works to revitalize Rhode Island through training, mentoring, and networking for local aspiring developers. Our program is modeled on the unique community development program…

Reminder: The application deadline is one week from today. Apply now to join the next group of Jumpstarters creating good homes and good neighborhoods in Rhode Island.

White background, text in teal reads: I learned things I couldn't have learned anywhere else." - a Jumpstart Rhode Island graduate Smaller text reads: Jumpstart Rhode Island is a training, mentoring, and networking program for aspiring or early-stage developers who are community-minded and care about the future of Rhode Island neighborhoods. Learn more and apply by Feb. 27: localreturn.org/jumpstart-rhode-island

Apply now for our next cohort of Jumpstarters. Change the face of real estate development in Rhode Island. Shape your future and the future of your neighborhood.
localreturn.org/jumpstart-rh...

Events – Local Return Are you interested in learning more about the Local Return Diversified Community Investment Fund? Join us virtually on Tuesday, February 17, at 5:30-6:15 p.m. for an information session.

Join us on zoom TONIGHT to learn more about Rhode Island's FIRST and ONLY community investment fund.

Jumpstart Rhode Island – Local Return Jumpstart Rhode Island works to revitalize Rhode Island through training, mentoring, and networking for local aspiring developers. Our program is modeled on the unique community development program…

Calling aspiring Rhode Island neighborhood-based real estate developers! Apply now for our 15-hourJumpstart Rhode Island training program.

On teal background, red heart hands below text in white, which reads "local is my love language"

Today and every day.

Assorted Valentine-themed illustrations in red against ivory background -- like Cupid, roses, heart shaped candy, etc. Text in middle reads You had me at....talk local to me.

This is the way to my heart.

Assorted Valentine-themed illustrations in red against ivory background -- like Cupid, roses, heart shaped candy, etc. Text in middle reads You had me at...I'm a coffee snob, I only drink locally-roasted.

When your worst quality makes you even more lovable .

Assorted Valentine-themed illustrations in red against ivory background -- like Cupid, roses, heart shaped candy, etc. Text in middle reads I like to pay with cash so the business doesn't have to pay the credit card companies a swipe fee.

True love brings out the best in us.

Assorted Valentine-themed illustrations in red against ivory background -- like Cupid, roses, heart shaped candy, etc. Text in middle reads You had me at... Avon Cinema and chill?

The way to our squishy Rhode Island hearts.

A valentine for our Rhode Island hearts. Choose local, lovers!

“Where there’s money to be made, there will inevitably be those willing to exploit an industry to maximize profit."

...and @peterfneronha.bsky.social for standing up for independent local pharmacies and Rhode Islander consumers. 2/2

Rhode Island Attorney General uses new law to protect independent pharmacies from PBMs “Our bill was aimed at stopping PBMs from using audits as a tool to put independent pharmacies at even more of a competitive disadvantage," said Representative Kislak.

“Independent pharmacies are beloved small businesses that provide vital, valuable support to their community. Unfortunately, they are an endangered species due to the practices of the giant pharmacy chains and the PBMs that partner with those chains." Thank you, Rep. @rebeccakislak.bsky.social...1/2

After 28 years in the trade, Drew Scott has taken over a longtime North Smithfield barbershop, reopening it as The Barber Suite while honoring decades of local history and community tradition. https://bit.ly/4krnITK

Infographic shows 4 ways projects are de-risked through community engagement: > Compounding impact: Local ownership = local support >> fewer delays, smoother permitting, shorter development timelines > Market risk: Community buy-in boosts demand >> higher occupancy and revenue stability > Operational risk: Community governance = collaborative problem-solving >> creative responses to challenges > Systemic risk: Addresses inequality and instability that drive turnover, disengagement, and portfolio-level risk

"Community ownership is a powerful mitigant for project risks at all stages."

Infographic shows 4 amplifying effects of community owned projects: 1. Initial investment: communities invest in or co-own local assets 2. Returns generated: profits, savings, or shared revenue flow back to the community 3. Reinvestment: these resources fund new initiatives -- housing, clean energy, local enterprises 4. Compounding impact: each new project multiplies benefits, creating ongoing economic and social returns for the community

"Community ownership has the potential to create successive waves of impact as communities control and reinvest the financial returns created through their projects and investments."

"Community ownership models are not new: in fact, they have been the foundation of every major reconstruction in the United States and many successful societies across time."

The Business Case for Community Ownership: A Framework for Shared Prosperity Get exclusive early access to our reportand stay updated on launch news.

"Community ownership shifts governance and stewardship of resources—including capital—from the investor to the community that is most affected by an investment, and in doing so, generates positive economic, social and environmental impacts for that same community."

On a teal-ish background, text reads: "People may be tuning out public hearings--and politics more broadly--but they are tuning in to games...Why are most people more interested in games than in democratic processes that directly impact their lives? The answer is simple. Games are designed to be enjoyable, and democracy is not." Josh A Lerner, Making Democracy Fun Bubble in corner: Join our book discussion on March 24!

This is a great week to pick up your copy of Making Democracy Fun by Josh A. Lerner, so you can join our book club on March 24! Sign up at the link in our bio. Find it at a local library or a local, independent bookstore. localreturn.org/events/?even...

Artistic and fun infographic reads: 2026 Word of the Year HYPERLOCAL because (three arrows in purple, teal, and orange point to) Walkability (in purple): We're tired of having our lives constantly dominated by (and prematurely ended by) car-oriented planning & design. Friendship (in teal): We want it to be easier to make friends and build real community with our neighbors. Resilience (in orange): When disaster strikes, we know that our immediate neighbors are our first line of defense and key to our survival.

The word of the year/moment is: hyperlocal. (Artwork by @katvellos.bsky.social.)

Tealish background, big red heart, light green text that reads: Support the businesses that align with your values.

We’re so proud to see so many small Rhode Island businesses being thoughtful and generous with their choices during tomorrow’s general strike. We vote with every dollar we spend.

Green background, with megaphone in the left corner, in right corner lighter green text reads, "The best deals are the ones that support our community."

Choose community, in as many ways as possible.

On red background, white text reads: What can we do to fight the credit card monopoly? - Pay cash whenever you can. - Remember that when you and friends split a bill by throwing in a few credit cards, the restaurant has to pay a fee on every card. - Ask your senator and representative to support the Credit Card Competition Act. Learn more at LocalReturn.org/news.

Fight the credit card monopoly. Pay cash whenever you can. localreturn.org/visa-is-rais...