Earlier this week, I attended a talk by Naomi Davis, the founder of a Chicago-based nonprofit called Blacks in Green. They are a national Environmental Justice and Economic Development organization that pioneered the innovative Sustainable Green Mile concept.
“Blacks in Green’s signature Sustainable Square Mile is the gold standard for Black community development. Our unique whole-system approach for whole-system problems is designed to increase our communities’ wealth and well-being in the context of a changing climate.” – Blacks in Green
Their model truly is holistic, looking at each square mile as a village that collectively builds solutions around areas like economic development, sustainability, job creation, and even energy production! It shows how major needs can be met within walking distance. Recognizing that no group can do it alone, this approach creates pathways for everyone in the neighborhood to do for self in service of the collective. We have the basic tools to create a better world—or at least start working towards it.
Innovative models like this emerge when marginalized communities, such as the Black American community, have faced centuries of divestment, disenfranchisement, and systemic exclusion from opportunities. Exclusion and hardship often breed innovation.
The 8 Principles of Green Village Building
© BIG, NFP 2017. All Rights Reserved.
Hearing Naomi talk brought me back to some of the work People First Economy has been leading through our Local First initiative. I always say that Buy Local movements should naturally extend to shopping your values and interests. Building stronger neighborhoods and cities must be grounded in local ownership. The data also shows how stronger local economies with a diversity of industries can serve as resilient shields from national economic downturns.
According to a study by the Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development, for every $1 million in sales at locally-owned restaurants, $650,000 stays within the local economy, compared to $325,000 for chain restaurants. Nationally, the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) reports that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 stays in the local economy, compared to $43 when spent at a national chain. This economic multiplier effect highlights the importance of local ownership in maintaining vibrant, resilient communities. It directly connects to job creation and the strengthening of local institutions.
BIG’s Sustainable Square Mile also recognizes that community-level economic development requires the strengthening of the social and cultural fabric. One of the reasons people love to travel is to experience the unique ways different communities live and work together.
Grand Rapids is currently experiencing a wave of construction closing roads for months and forcing businesses to shut down in neighborhoods like the majority-Latine Roosevelt Park Neighborhood. Neighbors and some community partners are actively organizing to try and drive more traffic and business their way. Local business owners tell me they are hurting, but the community effort is being felt by some as they navigate these tough times.
Now imagine what can happen when our large corporations prioritize local supply chains. Developing local supply chains will reduce transportation emissions and related pollution while also helping diversify the local economy. Companies doing business in Michigan should make every effort possible to source products and services within the state.
Small companies can grow to become large corporations. Our team at People First Economy is empowering entrepreneurs to become a Force for Good in their communities, guiding them to develop their enterprises with a focus on People and the Planet. Integrating community-centered and sustainable principles from the beginning makes things much easier when you grow.
Two companies taking this approach include Wormies in Alto, Michigan, and Sanctuary Farms in Detroit. These are Black- and Brown-led businesses that are doing their part to strengthen their local food systems. Their models consider pathways to maximize profit while minimizing negative environmental or community impact. This is the type of innovation that, at scale, can transform local economies. How do we get more local governments, major corporations, small businesses, and individual consumers to support these ventures? That’s the type of question that keeps me up at night.
I left the talk hearing from Blacks In Green inspired by the potential for what it might mean in neighborhoods that have long felt abandoned through economic transitions. It made me imagine what a similar model could have meant for my various neighborhoods and family growing up. I then remembered it doesn’t have to stop at wondering. It is important that I and we do our parts to make Sustainable Square Miles a reality. People First Economy will do our part. Will you join us?
With Purpose and Passion,
Carlos
—–
Carlos Martinez (he/him) has served as President of People First Economy since January 2024. He has extensive experience in economic development, higher education, community engagement, and global partnerships. Carlos champions the creation of an inclusive, equitable, and circular economy deeply rooted in community care.
