iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We are reminded this morning by the Economic Progress Institute's RI Standard of Need that quality jobs mean being able to support your household, and that income gaps reinforce and contribute to wealth gaps.

Alan Krinsky presenting in front of a slide that reads: "TL;DR: Around 40% of RI households have income below what's required to meet basic needs."

A photograph of the 2026 Rhode Island Standard of Need overview.

011

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Interested in real estate development as a way to both build generational wealth for your family & improve your neighborhood? Apply now to learn the basics & get connected to a growing network. Accepting applications now for our Fall cohort. Deadline is 9/16. localreturn.org/programs/jum...

000

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Tomorrow evening, join us for a discussion with author Seth Rockman about the fraught relationships at the heart of our local economic history. localreturn.org/event/book-c...

Quote reads: "“The purpose of recounting these deceptive stories is to insist not upon a history without heroes, but upon a history populated by men and women no better or worse than ourselves at navigating an interconnected world defined by complex moral entanglements and ample invitations for self-deception and myopia. The fraught relationship of remote consumers and producers remains a central element of human experience, embedding all, now as then, in structures that predicate opportunity on exploitation.”

000

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Labor Day Week is an excellent time to consider this aspect of Rhode Island's history of manufacturing. Join us on Thursday at 6 p.m. at @symposiumbooks for a discussion with Seth Rockman on his book, Plantation Goods.

Quote from book reads: "To be sure, Rowland and Isaac [Hazard] were not needing to launder their reputations in Rhode Island. Being renowned Negro cloth manufacturers did not keep them out of polite company, lose them religious fellowship, or jeopardize their membership in learned societies."

Join us for a discussion of Plantation Goods: A Material History of American Slavery, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, with the author, Seth Rockman.

September 10, 2026
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Symposium Books
240 Westminster St., Providence

011

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

This Labor Day, we honor workers by calling for an economy that values workers for their true contributions.

"We often say that the economy tells a story explaining who gets what and why. It's admittedly a simplified explanation of
economics, but as a rule of thumb it holds remarkably true: The economic systems that our leaders put in place prioritize certain groups over others, and they funnel money through the economy to fulfill those preferences."
Zach Silk, Civic Venture

Graph showing S&P growth over time compared to lack of wage growth.

LET'S
HONOR
WORKERS
BY
CHANGING
THAT STORY.

010

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Interested in small-scale, neighborhood-based real estate development? Come hang out with us next Wednesday, September 9, at Moniker Brewery.

020

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Local small businesses almost always prefer when you pay cash. That way they can avoid the monstrous swipe fees charged by the credit card industry.

Sign from a local business reading: Cash is queen. Why do we prefer cash or check? Because we pay fees and a percentage of each credit or debit card transaction. These fees are higher for small businesses than large corporations and they really add up!”

021

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Come on out for our next First Wednesday meet-up, to discuss small-scale, missing middle real estate development, community wealth-building, and more!

021

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

We're reading Plantation Goods: A Material History of American Slavery, an important study on economic and community history that remains ever-relevant to RI, by @sethrockman.bsky.social. Join us Sept. 10 at @symposiumbooks.bsky.social for an event with the author! localreturn.org/event/book-c...

043

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

We are thrilled to see Rhode Island end the use of restrictive covenants by supermarkets. “Everywhere that Wall Street wants to buy up Main Street, we are going to fight back.” Thank you for your leadership, @sabinamatos.bsky.social.

054

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

We had a fabulous time at the @growsmartri.bsky.social summit about the multiple kinds of capital in our places — and how to make financial capital work better for communities.

021

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Come on out for our next Jumpstart Rhode Island networking meet-up -- next Wednesday, 5-6:15 p.m., at the fabulous Incred-A-Bowl in East Providence.

010

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Current and aspiring neighborhood-developers, join us next Wednesday, June 3! localreturn.org/event/jumpst...

010

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

🚨 We urgently need to move money from Wall Street to our main streets! The Senate Finance Committee is hearing S2833, the Rhode Island Local Investment Tax Credit Act, this Thursday. Come testify, submit a letter of written support, and spread the word.

011

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

We're celebrating 5 years! Join us for this special evening bringing together community leaders, local business owners, investors, and advocates committed to a thriving Rhode Island economy. localreturn.org/event/local-...

032

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

What a time we had presenting at the @justeconomy.bsky.social conference yesterday with NC3, Brett Theodos of @urbaninstitute.bsky.social, and Brent Forsberg. The folks in our room had amazing insights. Their energy for changing the economic paradigms that are holding us back was inspiring

001

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

On Wednesday, the House Finance Committee is hearing a proposal for a Rhode Island Local Investment Tax Credit, which would make up to $3,000 in tax credits available to everyday Rhode Islanders who invest into qualified local, small businesses. Learn more: localreturn.org/2026-policy-....

053

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

We're having a grand time with the Move Your Money Month 30-Day Challenge. It's not too late to join us. localreturn.org/move-your-mo...

Under Move Your Money Month header, 3 boxes that read:

Day #1: 3 basic ways to move money
Day #2: review your March expenses
Day #3: why communities need financial institutions of their very own

011

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Proud to join Small Business Rising to thank Sen Murphy for introducing the FAIR PRICES FOR LOCAL BUSINESS ACT.

032

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

What a great Jumpstart session with J.P. Ferrarini today!

021

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

We're excited to announce the 5 inaugural inductees onto the Loyal Local List, an honor roll of Rhode Islanders who have demonstrated commitment to the local economy. The List highlights the local multiplier effect, the benefits of keeping money moving locally. localreturn.org/loyal-local-...

110

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Ever wonder how we got here? It has a lot to do with the history of wealth in Rhode Island — how it was generated, who benefited, and who was hurt. Join us for an important conversation on May 7. localreturn.org/event/wealth...

A map of Rhode Island with census tracts colored by "Household Income at Age 35 for Children" who grew up in those census tracts. It shows that certain neighborhoods have far worse outcomes than others, even though they may be in close proximity.

A blue box, with four headshots of Dr. Taino J. Palermo, Seth E. Rockman, Lorén M. Spears, and Keith W. Stokes, and white text reading:

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

A Rhode Island 250 Roundtable

Tuesday, May 5
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Teatro ECAS

Hosted by Local Return, with the generous support of the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission

032

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

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

Tall man addressing crowd in front of room, gesturing.

042

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

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...

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

002

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

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

You had me at...I'm a coffee snob, I only drink locally-roasted.

010

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

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

I like to pay with cash so the business doesn't have to pay the credit card companies a swipe fee.

000

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

The way to our squishy Rhode Island hearts.

010

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

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

033

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

"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

010

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

"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

110

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

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!

121

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

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.

030

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

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.

020

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

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."

000

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

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.

020

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

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

010

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

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.

021

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

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.

020

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

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...

111

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

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.

031

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

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.

021

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

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.

011

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

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.

000

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Three words: LOCAL GIFT CARDS.

000

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

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

011

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

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.

011

Local Return @localreturn.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

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.

001