This document discusses measuring the direct benefits of local economies. It proposes that a local economy unites people and assets to build a community investment portfolio. This establishes a platform for local governance and sustainability by engaging citizens and allowing the utilization of assets, paid work, entrepreneurship, and community investment that can continue benefiting the community over time through civic engagement and liquidity of assets. Finally, it suggests that a local economy is everyone's responsibility to meet community needs and contribute to satisfying wants, with everyone benefiting.

1. Output Metrics
Measuring Direct Benefits for Local Economies
August 2010
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2. Who Controls How Much of What
20% Control 80%
of the
of the
People Assets
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3. A Local Economy Unites People and Their Assets
to Build a Community Investment Portfolio
Advantages for People
Favorable Return on
Assets
Entrepreneurship Community Utilization
Paid Work Investment Access
Innovation Portfolio Commercialization
People Assets
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4. A Local Economy Establishes a Platform for
Local Governance and Sustainability
The Portfolio Lives on…
Civic
Engagement
Entrepreneurship Community Utilization
Paid Work Investment Access
Innovation Portfolio Commercialization
People Assets
Liquidity
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5. A Local Economy Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Satisfying Wants
20% Disposable Income /
80%
Debt / Misappropriation
of the
of the
Meeting Needs
Everyone Contributes
People Assets
Everyone Benefits
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6. The Global
The Local Economy
Economy
“Meeting Needs”
Community Members’
“Satisfying Wants”
Employees’ Interests
Interests
Meaningful
Work Jobs
Medium
Asset
Utilization
of
Exchang
e
Asset
Liquidity
Assets
$ Return
Value Income
Exchange
Owners’ Interests Shareholders’ Interests
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7. Flow of Assets and Work within a Local Economy
Increasing
Assets
Applications
Local Economic Sustainability
Community
Meeting Output
Metrics Investment
Local Needs Portfolio
•Food
•Water
•Energy
•Fuel
•Housing /
Clothing
•4 R’s Increasing
•Security Work Functions
Value-Add
•Safety
•Health
•Education 7

8. Output Metrics
Local Economic Sustainability Scoreboard
Increasing
Applications
Community
Meeting Output
Metrics Investment
Local Needs Portfolio
Increasing
Value-Add
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