Project Overview:
The 10% Shift
Local First Arizona Foundation is preparing to launch “The 10% Shift”, a campaign aimed at strengthening the local economy, increasing civic pride, and changing consumer buying patterns to increase the economic and cultural sustainability of the region. During this economic downturn LFAF has identified a plan that will assist in economic recovery. It will also improve our environment, create jobs and enhance community development.
A study was recently completed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that examined the spending patterns of residents and businesses. The study determined if all 600,000 people in Grand Rapids simply shifted 10% of their spending from national to local businesses, the result would be 1600 new jobs, an additional $130 million invested in the local economy and an increase of $50 million in local wages within one year. This model is currently being tested in Boston, Massachusetts. We are proposing that Arizona, which has 6.5 million people, is an appropriate environment to replicate the study’s findings and follow the Boston example. We plan to use the metrics that came out of the Grand Rapids study to set goals and quantify our work to create measurable results.
Additionally, Local First Arizona Foundation has a plan to create an on-line calculator so residents can visit the Local First website, enter their monthly expenditures and find out how much they personally could put back into the local economy by simply shifting 10% of their spending habits.
We intend to carry the message to suburban households as well as rural communities, reminding Arizonans we are not asking them to spend any more money, we are not raising their taxes, but in fact we are offering a solution to our economic challenge by simply asking them to change their behavior. Investing in ourselves is the best solution for the long term health of Arizona.
LFAF’s ambition is to launch a statewide campaign that offers a succinct message that includes economic recovery, the production of new jobs for our communities, and an increase in community building and place making that is strongly needed in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the state.
| Project Goals | At least 5 more cities in Arizona to adapt updated procurement procedure, change law at state level. |
|---|---|
| Actions | Marketing, travel, promotions, campaign design and website |
| Budgets | $68,000 for campaign, $20,000 for evaluation study. $88,000 total ($10,000 already secured). LFA is seeking collaboration among 5-7 key donors to fund the project. |
| Timelines | 1 year |
| Milestones | 600,000 people shifting 10% of their spending from national to local businesses, creating 1,600 new jobs, $130 million additional dollars in Arizona’s economy, and an increase of $50 million in additional local wages. |