<![CDATA[Ithaca Local Economy Lab -- Radical Experiments in Business and Community]]> https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.com Ithaca Local Economy Lab Real experiments in 'radical' alternative economics — from one unusually interesting small city

Ithaca, NY once printed its own money. Ithaca HOURS circulated for decades, valuing a plumber's hour the same as a professor's, keeping millions of dollars of spending power inside the community. It was radical. It worked. And it was just the beginning.

Today, a worker cooperative runs one of the best-loved coffee shops in town. A shared commercial kitchen has made food entrepreneurship accessible to people who couldn't otherwise afford the infrastructure. A fiber cooperative is doing the slow, deliberate work of rebuilding a regional textile economy from sheep to shelf. An antique mall operates as a genuine community enterprise. A local business runs on gifting — and is still standing.

Ithaca Local Economy Lab documents these experiments across regenerative, circular, solidarity, and gifting economies. Hosted by Dia, local economy nerd and community-minded neighbor, each episode is a real conversation with the people inside one of these models. The reality of how it was built, how it's financed, what it's taught them, where things went wrong, and how others can learn the lessons.

Inside the show:

  • Ithaca HOURS: the local currency that kept money working locally and what it proved

  • LocalFiber: regenerative fiber production and a blueprint for local textile economies

  • Shared Kitchen Ithaca: circular infrastructure that removes the capital barrier from food entrepreneurship

  • Gimme Coffee Cooperative: solidarity ownership in daily practice, governance, profit-sharing, hard decisions

  • Found in Ithaca: what happens when an antique mall becomes a genuine community enterprise

  • The gifting economy: one Ithaca business proving generosity can be a sustainable model

For entrepreneurs in smaller cities building something that lasts. For curious people who want examples over arguments. For anyone who's ever thought: the economy is a design, not a law of nature — so who gets to redesign it?

Ithaca has been answering that question for over thirty years. Come listen.

📅 New episodes monthly on the first Thursday 🌐 IthacaLocalEconomyLab.com ⭐ Support independently: patreon.com/Practicalmuse

]]> RSS.com 2026.428.112250 Thu, 14 May 2026 04:10:06 GMT en 623e00a0-7b3f-577f-8a07-ab2c1a251940 https://media.rss.com/ithaca-local-economy-lab/20260323_070355_e1327ff03180bae5f2873eef2cd8003b.png Ithaca Local Economy Lab -- Radical Experiments in Business and Community https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.com yes Support Us Practically Real Enterprises, LLC Dia, local economy nerd Dia, local economy nerd false episodic 50320e50-270a-11f1-9244-834013942a3c podcast Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA false <![CDATA[Ithaca HOURS - The Most Important Economic Experiment You've Never Heard Of]]> What If Your Town Printed Its Own Money — And It Actually Worked?

In 1991, as the U.S. economy stumbled through recession, a community organizer in Ithaca, New York did something radical: he printed money. Not counterfeit dollars — something more interesting. A labor-backed local currency called Ithaca HOURS, where one note equaled one hour of work, equaled ten dollars, and could only be spent right here in town.

For more than two decades, it worked.

In this episode, Dia sits down with Steve Burke, former president and board member of Ithaca HOURS, for an honest, detailed account of what happened.

The Problem Ithaca HOURS Was Built to Solve

Ithaca in the early 1990s was a town of wage struggle and economic anxiety. Workers were paid too little. Dollars flowed in, then immediately flowed out to distant corporations. Local businesses competed against national chains with no structural advantage.

Paul Glover, the currency's founder, understood that money is not inherently valuable. It is valuable because a community agrees it is. If a community could agree to believe in something new, and back it with real labor and goods, they could create economic gravity that kept wealth local.

That insight became Ithaca HOURS.

How You Build Trust in a Currency From Scratch

Steve walks us through the unglamorous, essential work of building belief: community meetings, early adopter lists, handshake agreements with local businesses, and the slow accumulation of a directory that proved the currency could actually be spent.

At its peak, over 500 businesses and thousands of individuals participated. HOURS funded loans to local entrepreneurs and grants to nonprofits. Music stores, bookshops, farmers, landlords, healers, and carpenters all joined the network.

Why It Declined — And What Actually Killed It

The decline of Ithaca HOURS wasn't a single failure, it was a collision of forces: the rise of credit cards (which made cash-adjacent systems feel clunky), the shift to online commerce (which rewarded national platforms over neighborhood networks), Paul Glover's eventual departure from Ithaca, and the organization's inability to transition from paper to a digital infrastructure.

By 2015, Ithaca HOURS had wound down.

The Questions This Episode Leaves You With

Could it happen again? Steve thinks yes — but differently. Dia suggests perhaps a digital local currency with modern infrastructure, institutional backing, and a clear circulation strategy could address the structural weaknesses that paper HOURS couldn't.

Steve raises something worth sitting with: as electronic currencies become more prevalent, the question of transparency and government oversight becomes urgent. Who controls the black box? Who audits the ledger? Community currencies of the future will have to answer those questions before they launch, not after.

What You'll Take Away

This conversation is part history lesson, part governance case study, part meditation on what money is really for. Whether you're curious about local economics, community resilience, alternative finance, or just a great Ithaca story — this episode delivers.

🔗 Resources

Ithaca Local Economy Lab is a podcast about the people, models, and ideas building a more resilient local economy — one conversation at a time.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/ithaca-local-economy-lab/2804260 e4969d04-a04c-4ed5-ade8-2da8aa500c42 3056 full 1 1 5 5 false Fri, 08 May 2026 00:23:20 GMT false Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA <![CDATA[Found: One of the Most Radical Stores in Ithaca Doesn’t Look Radical at All]]> Vanessa Weber and Jeremiah Signo are turning a local antique mall into a thriving, community-centered enterprise through creative ownership, vendor collaboration, and strategic moves—all while navigating the challenges of small-town retail. This episode explores the intricate workings of their business model, the power of local relationships, and plans for expansion and community engagement.

In this episode:

  • The origins of Found in Ithaca and Vanessa's vintage and antique passions
  • The unique buyout model used to acquire the business without traditional bank financing
  • Details of the operation: vendor-managed booths, commissions, and furniture sales
  • Challenges and strategies in relocating from an old building to a creatively refurbished space
  • The importance of local, community-driven economy and vendor relationships
  • Insights into the renovation process of Southworks and the collaborative design vision
  • The role of community support and small-town relationships in business success
  • Future plans: programming, community events, and space expansion
  • The significance of maintaining a welcoming, high-end boutique atmosphere
  • The intersection of local art, mutual aid, and sustainable retail practices

Resources & Links:

Found in Ithaca https://FoundinIthaca.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foundinithaca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundinithaca/

Patricia “Patty” Brown - https://integratedbv.com

Creative ReUse - https://www.rachelfeirman.com/creativereuseofithaca

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Creative-Reuse-of-Ithaca-61575877676117

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativereuseofithaca

Ithaca Murals: https://www.ithacamurals.com

Join the conversation and stay inspired about local economies and community-driven retail! http://IthacaLocalEconomy.com

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/ithaca-local-economy-lab/2740025 1ab18ecf-89b3-43f4-b490-89aff6df6d72 4176 full 1 1 4 4 false Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT false Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA <![CDATA[Is Shared Kitchen Ithaca the Future of Small Town Food Business?]]> In this episode:

  • Rod Rotundi shares his diverse background in economic development and his journey to Ithaca
  • The origins and mission of Shared Kitchen Ithaca
  • How shared kitchens bolster local entrepreneurs
  • Examples of successful members, from bakers to hot dog vendors

Resources & Links:

https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com

https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com/the-smorg

https://www.facebook.com/thesmorgithaca

https://www.instagram.com/thesmorgithaca

https://greenstar.coop

https://www.rochestercommissary.org

https://ithacareuse.org

http://farmtofeastny.com

https://www.facebook.com/styxstreetfood/

https://gardellasgoodies.com

https://www.facebook.com/ithacabreadworks/

https://lamexicanarestaurantandgrocery.com

https://littlerambakery.com

https://rashidasawyer.com

https://www.wellspringforestfarm.com

Resources & Links:

Go deeper:

• https://patreon.com/Practicalmuse

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/ithaca-local-economy-lab/2681448 f7a1a817-c14b-49ab-83cd-6a5bf7b40fa5 2122 full 1 1 3 3 false Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT false Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA <![CDATA[LocalFiber - Weaving a New Economy From the Ground Up]]> Explore the journey of natural fiber production, from raising goats to handcrafting textiles, and discover how local fiber collectives are fostering sustainable, community-centered economies. Lisa Ferguson shares her insights on building relationships, educating consumers, and creating a resilient regional fiber industry.

Key Topics:

  • The role and mission of the Local Fiber Collective in Central New York
  • The process of turning fiber into finished products: from goat to sweater
  • Valuing quality and natural fibers over fast fashion's low-cost, short-lived clothing
  • Building customer relationships through storytelling and transparency
  • The importance of collective care and fair pricing among fiber farmers
  • Challenges faced by fiber collectives, including volunteer engagement and organizational identity
  • Opportunities for newcomers: joining collectives as farmers or makers
  • Advice for starting a similar community-driven fiber initiative elsewhere

Timestamps:

01:31 - How Lisa got into goats and fiber farming, inspired by natural fibers

03:19 - The community aspect of fiber farming and connection with other farmers

04:26 - How Lisa joined the Local Fiber Collective and its growth

05:38 - Membership details and the regional scope of the collective

07:30 - The fiber chain: from goats to finished garments

08:49 - The processing steps: shearing, skirting, washing, spinning, dyeing

11:15 - Building customer trust through storytelling and transparency

12:31 - How natural fiber production educates and reconnects consumers with craft skills

14:20 - The collective approach to fair pricing over competition

15:14 - The benefits of natural fibers versus fast fashion products

16:37 - Environmentally conscious farming practices in the collective

18:42 - Challenges of maintaining interest and organizational clarity

19:01 - The importance of mentorship and community support for new farmers

22:02 - Advice for starting similar collectives outside Ithaca

23:44 - Building community through local events and shared purpose

25:49 - Challenges: volunteer engagement, organizational structure, funding

Resources & Links:

The Practically Real Team:

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/ithaca-local-economy-lab/2671763 88121e95-5091-4b23-b8ab-0736fd41cf1f 1831 full 1 1 2 2 false Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:06:34 GMT Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA <![CDATA[Beyond Insurance - The Healthcare Model That's Changing Everything]]> Beyond Insurance - The Healthcare Model That’s Changing Everything

Discover how healthcare is transforming with an innovative direct primary care model, offering affordable, accessible, and relationship-based health solutions in Ithaca. Learn why this model is gaining momentum as a sustainable alternative to traditional insurance-based healthcare.

Key Topics

  • The limitations of the current patient care system and the complexities of insurance
  • How direct primary care (DPC) simplifies access and reduces costs
  • Cost savings with DPC, including cheaper labs, imaging, and medications
  • The role of DPC in managing emergencies and routine health needs
  • How DPC offers tailored services like men's and women's health, hormone therapy, and home visits
  • The impact of DPC on practitioner burnout and patient satisfaction
  • Strategies for starting or joining a DPC practice, including low overhead requirements
  • The future of healthcare: people-over-profit and a return to personalized care

Contact details: homesteadyhealth.com and 607-882-6001

Resources & Links

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to share this episode, rate, review, and subscribe to support the local economy conversations. For more resources and to connect with hosts, visit https://ithacalocaleconomylab.com

The Practically Real Team:

Connect with Dia on Patreon:

https://patreon.com/Practicalmuse?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/ithaca-local-economy-lab/2671726 878f8656-88e6-43fb-81f2-c9e1586a05bf 1785 full 1 1 1 1 false Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:06:21 GMT Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA <![CDATA[Caring for People and the Environment: An Introduction to the Ithaca Local Economy Lab]]> This episode is an introduction to the podcast themes and reveals the fundamental questions behind creating economic systems that prioritize human well-being.

Hosted by Dia, the podcast explores radical economic experiments in Ithaca, from local currencies to community-driven finance, offering insights for anyone interested in rebuilding economies from the ground up.

Key topics:

  • The core question: What would an economy built to care for people look like?
  • The importance of relationship-building and cultural shifts in economic transformation
  • Examples of radical economic experiments in Ithaca, including local currencies and cooperative ownership models
  • The role of trust, skills, and community in shaping new economic systems
  • The purpose and vision behind the Ithaca Local Economy Lab initiative
  • The team behind the podcast, including production and creative contributors
  • How these Ithaca stories serve as models for other communities worldwide
  • The podcast's release schedule of first and third Thursdays and access details via Patreon and website

Timestamps: 00:04 - What if the economy was designed to prioritize caring for people?

00:33 - Introducing the Ithaca Local Economy Lab and its focus on radical economic experiments

01:00 - The team behind the podcast and its production details

01:34 - Closing remarks and gratitude from the creators

Resources & Links:

Connect with Dia:

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/ithaca-local-economy-lab/2654755 6c889a30-6100-4c17-9aed-5a4ac1921b28 100 trailer 1 1 false Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:15:02 GMT Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA Ithaca, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 14850, USA