DECEMBER 2021.VOL. 21, NO. 12. PORTLAND, MAINE.
Our first interview with city councilorelect Tori Pelletier Voters in Portland’s 2nd District elected Tori Pelletier to fill the seat vacated by Spencer Thibodeau. Here’s what she has to say on… Housing… “I would love to do a comprehensive review and get rid of single-family housing zoning…” Shelters… “…a 200-bed shelter doesn't feel like the city is investing in people.” Process… “We still live in an area where the loudest voices are people with the most privilege…” Read the interview by Liz Trice in this month’s PelotonPosts, Page 8.
Portland Municipal Election Recap Portland’s ranked-choice election for city council makes history with a tie, a drawing of lots, and a recount. Read the recap on Page 4.
PORTLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER. FREE!
Time For Shop Local Policy
Featured Analysis: Shopping local is a great idea, but Portland needs policies that support local, independent businesses, too. wages and benefits, local charitable giving, and - although generosity has little to do For most, holiday shopping, or any with it - they tend to pay more in local kind of shopping, is not a conscious po- taxes. litical act. But where we choose to spend And economics is just one reason to our money does have an impact. And this month Americans are out shopping, pan- support local businesses. There are social demic or no. In fact, last year amid the reasons, as well. Here is a look at five ways pandemic shoppers spent at an unexpect- local, independent businesses build strong edly high 8.3 percent over the same peri- communities. The list is from the Institute od in 2019 to $789.4 billion, according to for Local Self-Reliance, a national research and advocacy organization with offices in the National Retail Federation. Portland. And Portlanders are sure to be no different. In fact, finance website Wallethub 1. Local small businesses are linked suggests a holiday budget of $1283 for the to higher incomes and less inequalaverage Portlander in a “comfortable” fi- ity. In 2013, an economist at the Federal nancial position. They based this on our Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that counaverage income, age, and debt. But what- ties with larger shares of local small busiever our budgets may be, shifting even a nesses have stronger per capita income small amount of our money to local busi- growth, faster employment growth, and lower poverty rates. nesses can have an outside impact. By Tony Zeli
According to Portland Buy Local’s posters that seem ubiquitous around downtown this time of year, 76% more of your money stays in the local community when you shop -PBL Poster local. This is because local businesses overall - of course there are individual examples to the contrary - are more generous with
Old Port. -WEN file photo
Additionally, their concentration in denser neighborhoods also means less use of public services. 4. Local businesses foster community cohesion and well-being. Kid you not, there have been studies demonstrating that communities with a greater concentration of small businesses have improved health outcomes. But that is just a start. They also have an easier time retaining residents (especially those with college degrees) and higher levels of civic engagement.
2. Entrepreneurship fuels job creation. Cities that achieve higher rates of entrepreneurship and new business creation than the national average are better off. In fact, they generate more jobs, which in turn lifts wages. And it doesn’t have to 5. Community-scaled businesses be all about tech startups. In Maine, we’d reduce pollution and improve enbe wise to look at other sectors from ag- vironmental sustainability. It makes riculture to outdoor recreation. sense. People who live in walkable neigh3. Independent businesses gener- borhoods, near small stores, walk more ate more tax revenue at lower pub- and drive less.They also are more likely to lic cost. Businesses in dense, mixed-use use public transit. These factors combined commercial districts generate more tax with a compact, urban core and a thriving revenue than sprawling shopping centers. Cont'd on Page 6
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Letters from readers in praise of activities at Reiche
Tips for Shopping Locally by Portland Buy Local
Layne's Wine Gig Presents A Holiday Wine Gift Guide
Bright Ideas has a book recommendation to inspire