join the local movement

Champion change at the local level.

Local First brings together 200+ passionate business owners, nonprofit organizations, and community members, all working to shape a thriving La Plata County. We accomplish our vision by promoting localism, amplifying local businesses to the public, and hosting community events like Noel Night to boost the local economy.

Together, we’re building a future that is resilient, sustainable, equitable, and thriving. Join the Local Movement as a business or nonprofit member or as an individual localist!

Champion change at the local level.

Local First supports 220+ passionate business owners, nonprofit organizations, and community members, all working to shape a thriving La Plata County. We accomplish our vision through robust initiatives promoting localism, amplifying local businesses to the public, and hosting community events to boost the local economy.

Together, we can ensure a future for La Plata County that is resilient, sustainable, equitable, and just. Join the Local Movement as a business, nonprofit, or as an individual Localist!

Business/Nonprofit
Individual

Why Local?

Supporting local, independent businesses has a huge impact on the well-being of our communities and our planet as a whole.

  • Invest in Community. For every $100 spent at a local, independent business $68 stays in our local economy. Only $43 remains in our community when spent at a national chain.

  • Support Community Groups. Local businesses donate 2.5x more per sales to local nonprofits, events, and teams compared to national chains.

  • Reduce Environmental Impacts. Locally owned businesses make more local purchases— requiring less transportation—and set up shop in town centers, which leads to less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.

  • Create more good jobs. Small businesses are responsible for 90% net new jobs nationally. Moreover, our community’s local businesses offer greater loyalty to their employees, and in most sectors provide better wages and benefits than chains do.

Join the movement, become a member, or give today!

Support the local movement and invest in our community by becoming a member of Local First. Learn more about joining as a Business/Nonprofit Member or an individual Localist.

Business / Nonprofit

Join the movement, become a member today!

Support the local movement and invest in our community by becoming a member of Local First. Learn more about the Local First membership as a business owner or nonprofit leader, or explore our Localist membership as an individual.

Business Alliance
Localist