Ithaca Local Economy Lab -- Radical Experiments in Business and Community

What if the solution to one of climate policy's most criticized tools was hiding in plain sight, right here in the Finger Lakes? In this episode, host Dia sits down with Gay Nicholson to explore the Finger Lakes Climate Fund: a local carbon offset program that has spent over a decade turning $25 donations into real, verified home energy upgrades for low-to-moderate income families across Tompkins...

In this episode, Claire Christensen shares the inspiring story of Gimme! Coffee's transition to a worker-owned cooperative, illustrating how business models rooted in shared ownership can promote community engagement, environmental responsibility, and employee empowerment. Main Topics: The origins and evolution of Gimme! Coffee from a local coffee shop to a worker-owned cooperative The process and...

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 rig...

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 th...

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/t...

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 Ne...

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...

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:...