Supporting our local New Mexico economy enhances the health and viability of our community.  Mindful consumer choices and locally-owned businesses help build sustainable local economies.    On an individual level we can enhance economic development in Albuquerque by choosing to shop and do business locally.  

For every dollar spent at locally-owned, independent Albuquerque businesses, 45 cents is recycled in our community economy.  Compare this with only 13 cents staying in the local economy when spent at non-locally owned stores.  Thus, making local consumer choices enhances economic development in Albuquerque three times as strong as choosing to spend dollars at non-locally-owned companies.   

Factors for this include: independently owned local businesses give business to other local residents, such as hiring architects, computer consultants, accountants, insurance brokers, advertising agencies, contractors, interior designers, and attorneys.  Locally run companies purchase a higher percentage of locally-produced goods from local producers than do chain retailers and distributors.  More tax dollars stay in the community to spend on schools, parks, libraries, fire and police departments, and other community services critical for our quality of living. 

And just as important, shopping with locally-owned, independent businesses helps to maintain, create and propel the unique character of Albuquerque and surrounding communities: that same character that compels us to live in this fabulous city.