Fiscal localism

Fiscal localism comprises institutions of localized monetary exchange. Sometimes considered a backlash against global capitalism or economic globalization, fiscal localism affords voluntary, market structures that help communities trade more efficiently within their communities and regions.

Fiscal localism

"Buy local" or local purchasing is the most visible face of fiscal localism. There are more complex institutions (both new and well established) that contribute to a community's ability to flourish. Institutions like credit unions, CDFI's (Community Development Financial Institutions), and local currency or complementary currency all can contribute to making communities more resilient and wealthy.

Local currency has been in the news most, with journalists citing the Berkshares in Massachusetts, and the Ithaca Hours in Ithaca, New York. Beyond these salient examples, there are thousands of local currencies all over the world.

See also

• Barter
• Credit union
• Cooperatives
• CDFI
• Community currency
• Community-based economics
• Informal sector (aka informal economy)
• Local multiplier effect
• New Economy movement
• Time-based currency
• Time banking
• Transition Towns

External links

• http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128546325
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8245276.stm
• http://www.ratical.org/many_worlds/cc/localmoney.html
• http://www.ithacahours.com/
• http://www.berkshares.org/
• http://www.slate.com/id/2190116/
• http://www.domini.com/community-investing/What-Is-A-/index.htm