Many people wonder what they can do to bolster regional economic growth.Major economic change is based on actions of corporations and government actors, but there are some things you can do to promote a better economy.You can support businesses and jobs by investing in your local economy.You can help foster change by advocating for economic policy reform in your area and keeping yourself and your community up to date on the latest economic trends.
Step 1: Purchase from local businesses.
Purchasing from non-locally owned stores reduces your money out of the local economy.It's a good idea to shop from locally-owned companies whenever possible.Local mechanics and a local bookstore are some easy changes to make.
Step 2: You can find products made in your area.
Look for products made in your area or country when shopping at locally-owned stores.If your local grocery store sells an olive oil made abroad and one made by a local farm, opt for the local oil.For products that aren't made in your area, such as clothing or cars, look for ones that are made overseas.
Step 3: There is a bank with local banks.
Small banks and credit unions invest directly in your community.They are more flexible in supporting loans for small businesses.If you want to support local jobs and investment in your community, work with a local bank or credit union.Local banks often offer the same services with lower fees as well as being beneficial for your local economy.
Step 4: Local foods can be eaten at home and at restaurants.
Locally-owned grocery stores and farmers markets are great places to get food made, shipped, and stocked by people in your area.Look for locally-sourced products at the grocery store and shop at farmers markets when you can.If you go out to eat, choose a local restaurant.Locally owned restaurants often have a variety of prices.If you replace your fast food habit with local options, you won't have to pay much more.
Step 5: You can research the economic situation in your area.
Economic strengths and weaknesses are vastly different from city to city and country to country.Start researching the economic situation in the area you want to change by narrowing it down.It's a good idea to start with websites for local or national agencies.If you live in a major US city, you can check out the issues affecting your neighborhood on the alderman's website.You can check websites from your mayor, your district representative, or your area's parliament member.You can attend seminars about economic challenges in your area.Check with local colleges and universities, libraries, and community centers to see if they will host a discussion about this topic in the near future.There are many ideas about what will be best for your local economy.Some of the ideas may conflict.It's important to do thorough research and consider multiple arguments.
Step 6: Get in touch with your local lawmaker.
Reach out to your local lawmakers once you have researched and prioritized your concerns.The people that live in your area are the ones that your representatives are charged with advocating for.Call and write to their offices to let them know what policy changes you want to see enacted to improve your area's economy.Minimum wage, support programs for small businesses, local immigration policy, and public works projects are some of the potential concerns that can be addressed on a city or regional level.
Step 7: You can advocate in your community.
Reach out to your community after you speak with your lawmakers.You can start a petition, organize a letter writing campaign, or set up a phone bank to help members of your community reach out to local policy makers and express their concerns and desired solutions for local economic issues.
Step 8: Advocate harder during policy windows.
It is important to let local lawmakers know what matters to you, but it is especially effective during policy windows.There is a chance to change policy.These may include planned events like elections or budget cycles.
Step 9: You should be aware of local, national, and international economic issues.
Economic issues are constantly changing.If you want to have the most up-to-date information, you need to read or watch more than one news source.This will help you understand the current economic issues and the best courses of action to respond to them.You can set up an alert with certain news aggregations that will let you know when new news is published.You can set an alert if you're interested in a local election.
Step 10: Local speaking events should be organized.
Local economic issues can be brought in experts to speak at your community centers.If you want to connect with your community, you need to think about what issues are most relevant to your area.If you want to promote eating locally, talk to a local chef about doing a cooking demo at the farmer's market using locally-grown and produced ingredients.
Step 11: You can volunteer in your community.
If you have time, you can volunteer at pet shelters, food pantry, or other non-profit organizations.Volunteer work helps contribute to the local economy by allowing you to offer free services that are usually paid.Money can be freed up in communities that don't have enough to invest in themselves.It keeps you in touch with the economic interests of your community.You can better inform yourself about what others in your area value by seeing where volunteers are needed and speaking with them.