The Last Word, not mine, on Portland's Dynamic retail environment, plus "America Unchained"

Stacy Mitchell, the dynamo leader of the New Rules-Institute for Local Self Reliance "Hometown Advantage" campaign, writes:

I agree with your conclusions about Portland's local retail -- both the lack of outward overbuilding, plus the stability that has created in the residential. While many middle income people are coming back to cities now, the retail is no longer there, so chains are coming in to fill the gaps. Portland does not have that problem so much because the growth boundary supported neighborhood residential stability over the years.

Stacy also writes:

I'm writing to invite you to join us on November 19th for America Unchained. This is a national one-day educational campaign to highlight the economic and community benefits of locally owned businesses and to encourage people to ditch chains for the day.

The campaign is being organized by our friends at the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) with support from many other organizations, including ILSR, the American Booksellers Association, the American Specialty Toy Retail Association, and the National Main Streets Center.
There are many easy ways you can participate and bring this message to your community. You do not have to be an AMIBA affiliate to participate.

Just go to America Unchained and click Sign Me Up. You'll be added to the participant list and gain access to the information and materials (logos, templates for promotional items, press release, and more) you'll need to get involved.