LASER (Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal)

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In partnership with Gwendolyn Hallsmith of Global Community Initiatives, Natural Capitalism Solutions provides community leaders and citizens with the information they need to mobilize their community for sustainable economic renewal. Economic renewal enhances community well-being in an array of ways.  It creates real jobs. It strengthens local businesses. It improves quality of life. This new approach fosters environmental integrity, social cohesion, good governance and equitable economic opportunity.

The LASER team brings over 30 years of experience in economic development in rural communities, urban neighborhoods and in emerging economies. We have worked in over 30 countries on 5 continents. The team helps communities move forward with confidence and enthusiasm to achieve their vision for a healthy environment, a vibrant economy, good governance, and a sense of connection to their neighbors and the world. LASER projects foster democratic practices, social and economic justice, respect and care for the community of life and environmental integrity. We work to create a context where people feel inspired to work for positive change.

LASER emerged from years of work with communities around the world. It was first tested in a joint workshop Natural Capitalism Solutions and Global Community Initiatives presented for America’s Development Foundation (ADF) in Serbia, December of 2005.  ADF hired the LASER team to teach their community mobilization specialists how to strengthen local economies.

Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal is a set of reference materials developed to help community leaders create vibrant and healthy local economies. They were compiled by the staff of Natural Capital Solutions, Global Community Initiatives, and America’s Development Foundation. The main workbook can be downloaded for no charge, and the reference materials in the workbook can be found by clicking the link below.

Download the LASER Guide (1.7 MB pdf)

Additional resources

To contact us call 720-684-6580 or email [email protected]