Local First and the Power of Community

Part of what makes Durango so special is its strong sense of community and shared dedication to preserving our town's unique character. This commitment is evident in the way local businesses and residents work together. You're watching the Local News Network, brought to you by Sky Ute Casino Resort, and Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings. I'm Sadie Smith. Locals First is a coalition of 250 locally owned independent businesses dedicated to promoting an economy that values people, the planet, and prosperity across La Plata County in Southwest Colorado.

Over half of every dollar that you spend at a locally owned independent business stays right here in La Plata County. So those employees, those owners, that business, are buying things more locally and so that money stays here.

Shopping locally keeps money circulating within the community, strengthening the local economy. Local First encourages this through the Be Local Coupon Book, offering discounts at many of Durango's independent businesses.

Think of a wheel and more of that money staying local and every time that wheel turns, when that business spends money, when their employees spend money, when those subcontractors or other businesses in town that they're using spend money locally, two to four times more of your money is staying local than when that money goes out of our community to that headquarters or to that chain store, to Amazon, and that's just going out to other things outside of our community.

In 2002, Local First launched Noel Night in response to the Missionary Ridge Fire. Since then, this beloved community event has profoundly impacted the local economy and community spirit. Each year, Noel Night highlights local businesses emphasizing the joy and benefits of year-round local shopping. Much of Durango's small town charm is attributed to its commitment to preserving its unique character and supporting local businesses.

If we wanted to live somewhere that looked like everywhere else, we wouldn't live here, that's what's so attractive about this place. And also, a lot of local shops sell local products or regionally made products here in Colorado and that's really special. They often have unique offerings that aren't available in change stores, so you get a unique experience when you shop local as well.

The Local First Foundation introduced an impact fund with 20 local businesses committing to donate 1% of their revenues to support our community. A portion of these contributions has been allocated to the impact fund.

What they decided to do was to help the residents of the Westside Mobile Home Park to purchase the land under their park, which was for sale, and would've most likely led to increasing rents and then they couldn't have afforded to live there. So we were part of an effort, they call it a funding stack, but a very important piece of that stack of money that allowed those residents to do what they did and now own their park. It's a cooperative, they're in charge of their future and they're keeping that housing affordable.

Local First recently launched the First Friday's Initiative, where local businesses and venues come alive with live music, original performances, artisan showcases in artisan popup markets throughout Durango on the first Friday of every month. Support the cause by joining the localist movement and donating to the Local First Foundation. Details on the movement and foundation, as well as a list of participating businesses can be found on Local First website. For more information about this and other stories, visit durangolocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of The Local News Network, I'm Sadie Smith.