In an age of online retailers, it’s easy to forget what makes our communities truly thrive: localism. At its core, localism is about deep gratitude, genuine connection and meaningful regeneration – all of which are essential to a vibrant, resilient community.

Localism begins with gratitude – for the natural beauty that surrounds us and the history that shapes our home. From the mountains to the mesas, from main street to farmers markets, our community stands on the foundation built by those who came before us. This includes the Native American tribes who were the original stewards of this land and the homesteaders whose pioneer spirit offers inspiration for today’s entrepreneurs.

Choosing local means making connections. It’s valuing the expertise of the salesperson in a local store, knowing your banker by name and chatting with a local farmer or artisan at the farmers market. These relationships are more fulfilling – and more durable – than the fleeting dopamine hit one gets from a digital transaction. Localism invites us into a shared experience, where we’re not just consumers, but neighbors and citizens.

Localism is not about nostalgia – it’s about a regenerative economic model that sustains the place we call home. When you spend your dollars locally, they recirculate in the community two to four times more than money spent at a chain or online retailer. That investment ripples outward in the form of local jobs, charitable giving and long-term prosperity from a self-reliant economy of local business owners who are invested in their community.

How Local First is taking action

Local First is an alliance of locally owned, independent businesses building an economy that values people, the planet and prosperity for all. At Local First, we believe in walking the talk. Here are four ways we’re putting localism into action:

Affordable health care: Our partnership with Peak Health Alliance has saved residents millions on health insurance premiums, helping reduce the cost of living for working families trying to make ends meet in Southwest Colorado.Business resilience training: From Delicious Delights to the La Plata County Humane Society Thrift Store, our free training programs are helping small businesses enhance their value and build long-term resilience in challenging times.Policy advocacy: Working with our statewide affiliate Good Business Colorado and Wagon Wheel Liquors, we advocated for legislation to protect Colorado’s independent liquor stores from being squeezed out by national chains.Community collaboration: We don’t claim to “own” localism. We partner with other like-minded groups on common causes because we’re stronger together.
How you can build localism

Localism begins with simple choices. Here are a few ways you can join in:

Spread the word about why localism matters to your friends and neighbors.Support local businesses by giving them yours. Use the Be Local Coupon Book as your guide to living local.Engage in local issues that matter to you – show up, speak out and vote. Join our book club: We’re reading “Walkable City,” by Jeff Speck.Join the localist movement by contributing and volunteering with the Local First Foundation. Learn more at foundation.local-first.org.

In closing, we’re thrilled to share that – thanks to a generous gift from the Michael & Elaine Moravan Foundation – we’re offering the Be Local Coupon Book free to any local veteran who requests one, while supplies last (email [email protected]). To us, this is an important gesture of appreciation that reflects the heart of localism: gratitude, connection and regeneration that we hope inspires you to be part of the movement, too.

Doug McCarthy is CEO of Local First.