Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

140 followers 60 following 170 posts

Building community wealth in Rhode Island through ownership and investment, particularly in neighborhoods that have experienced historical disinvestment. We just launched RI's first community investment fund at @investRI.bsky.social. LocalReturn.org

Posts Replies Media Videos

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

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

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

February 4, 2026 at 8:04 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

"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."

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

February 4, 2026 at 8:03 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

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...

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!

February 2, 2026 at 3:55 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

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

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.

January 30, 2026 at 2:25 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

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.

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

January 30, 2026 at 3:14 AM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

Choose community, in as many ways as possible.

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."

January 28, 2026 at 12:50 AM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

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

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.

January 25, 2026 at 2:02 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

Nationally, small businesses say that swipe fees are their second highest expense (after payroll). What say you, Rhode Island business owners?

On red background, white text reads:

Business owners, are you swamped by swipe fees?

Your stories help us better advocate for competition in the credit card industry. Share with us:
- How much did you pay for credit card swipe fees in 2024?
- Are swipe fees among your top two or three expenses?
- Do you charge customers a fee for using a credit card, offer a cash discount, or require a minimum sale for credit card purchases?

DM us or email jessica @ localreturn.org

On red background, white text reads:

Business owners, what would lower swipe fees help you do?
[ ] Have more competitive prices
[ ] Make better expense projections
[ ] Hire another employee
[ ] Provide better benefits for your employees
[ ] Invest back into your business
[ ] Provide more philanthropic support in your community

DM us or email jessica @ localreturn.org

January 23, 2026 at 2:27 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

Credit card swipe fees raise costs for small businesses and consumers. But they're awfully good for Visa and Mastercard (to the tune of $111.2 billion). Guess that's why they keep raising them. Support the Credit Card Competition Act. localreturn.org/visa-is-rais...

On red background, white text reads:

"Inflation has been positive for us." - Visa's CEO, on an earnings call

Visa and Mastercard have a monopoly on the credit card processing market. Inflation is good for them because when Americans have to pay more, they take in higher swipe fees. $111.2 billion in 2024, to be exact.

Congress, pass the Credit Card Competition Act.

On red background, text in white reads:

Visa is raising credit card swipe fees (again) on Jan. 24.

Swipe fees already went up:
$ April 2022
$ October 2023
$ January 2025

Who pays the price? Small businesses and consumers.

January 21, 2026 at 5:44 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

RI businesses! Are you frustrated by credit card swipe fees? Share your input so coalitions like Small Business Rising can advocate for more credit card competition. share.hsforms.com/1jjt5AHyBSuq...

Church showing growth in US credit and debit card swipe fees from $71.4 billion in 2013 to $137.8 billion in 2021.

January 16, 2026 at 9:23 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

We've got a great new book club discussion coming up! How can we incorporate meaningful, productive, and engaging participation into public processes? Join us on March 24 to talk about Josh Lerner's Making Democracy Fun. localreturn.org/events/?even...

January 14, 2026 at 3:21 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

We vote with our wallet.

Text reads: Support the businesses that align with your values. On blue background with big red heart.

January 12, 2026 at 4:54 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

We joined our Small Business Rising partners to endorse the Fair Competition for Small Business Act, introduced in Congress by @booker.senate.gov and @repmaxinewaters.bsky.social. The bill will invigorate state-level antitrust enforcement to ensure fair pricing for small and independent businesses.

January 8, 2026 at 9:15 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

Do you want to shift the economic paradigm in Rhode Island? Join our Public Awareness Committee. Our next meeting is Friday, Jan. 9, 12 noon, via zoom.

On blue background, text reads:

Do you believe a local economy that supports the well-being of our people and places is possible? Are you passionate about economic self-reliance, sustainability, and responsibility? Do you strive to align your financial practices with your values? Want to be part of a growing circle of Rhode Islanders who share this commitment?

Join our Public Awareness Committee.

Our next meeting is Friday, January 9, at 12 noon on zoom.

RSVP to jessica@localreturn.org for the link and agenda.

January 5, 2026 at 3:45 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

Support for local businesses doesn't have to end with the holidays. Make it a habit for 2026 to choose local, independently-owned businesses first.

December 31, 2025 at 12:50 AM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

It is possible! Your tax-deductible gift helps make it real. We are grateful to you. localreturn.org/connect/

White text on green background reads:

We are all stakeholders in Rhode Island.

Let's imagine and create a new future where our economic and financial practices support our beloved communities.

Give today at LocalReturn.org.

December 29, 2025 at 6:20 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

Three words: LOCAL GIFT CARDS.

December 24, 2025 at 3:32 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

Any last minute shoppers out there? Local businesses are waiting for you.

December 22, 2025 at 10:03 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

If you like the work we do, join us as a recurring donor. For a volunteer-run organization like ours, your support makes a world of difference. localreturn.org/wont-you-be-...

On blue background, there is a large number 5 in red. White text reads: Celebrate and build with us! We're turning 5 in February. If you value the work we do to build community wealth in Rhode Island, become a monthly donor. Your consistent support makes a world of difference, allowing us to grow and sustain our efforts.

December 12, 2025 at 5:39 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

Aren’t we lucky to live in a place where this is so easy? Support your local independents AND give the best gifts!

Red background, green bow in center, blue words: GIFT LOCAL.

December 6, 2025 at 3:29 PM

Local Return

@localreturn.bsky.social

There’s nothing like a friend who believes enough in your mission to literally buy into it. It's literally what building community wealth requires. Join us as a monthly donor; as a sign of our gratitude you’ll receive a set of beautiful, locally-designed gift tags. localreturn.org/wont-you-be-...