The first two parts of our series defined and explained the “Flow of Money.”
In conclusion, let’s discuss what residents can do to improve the community’s
multiplier affect. It is pretty straight-forward really, BUY LOCAL! Think Leander first when it comes to products and services needed. If
residents can see the value of their purchasing power locally this makes a
huge difference. Purchasing goods and services locally can inhibit the leakage
of dollars to other communities. This in turn generates sales tax that enables
City services to be delivered at an increasingly higher level. In addition, the
intangible ‘sense of place’ is created because residents support local business-
es thus creating a community. We get to know our neighbors and merchants
because we serve each other more often. Our shop local efforts insure shorter
drive times, less impact on transportation resources, more participation in
local activities and increased opportunities to get to know each other. Another byproduct of local shopping is the potential to grow business.
Leander is an entrepreneurial community. Our agricultural and mining history
with ‘cedar choppers’ and ‘stone masons’ along with farming and railroad
jobs forged a strong, independent streak. There is an inherent self-reliance
amongst old and new residents. However, even our history is based upon
people helping each other where they can. Did you know approximately 230
business people form the economic ‘backbone’ of the community? The City’s data base includes nearly 100 entrepreneurs and small business owners from the Leander Business Circle and 130 Primary Employers and Service business contacts. The combined efforts of their virtual, home-based and brick and mortar businesses to bring new money to Leander and distribute this wealth throughout the City is critical. Leander has a population of almost 30,000 residents living in about 11,000 residence. Within this population there are approximately 17,000 employees in Leander. On average the per capita income (each man, woman and child) earns just over $22,800. Please indulge this simple example on the affect each resident can have on
the development of a sustainable community through buying local first. Le-
ander residents generate just over $684 million in annual income. If ten per-
cent of this income was spent locally and one-percent sales tax was applied
to it, this will generate more than $706,000 annually. Examples of municipal
services this revenue can be utilized for include: • Issue as much as $10 million in bonds
• Purchase almost 12 police cruisers
• Buy a new fire engine
• Employ up to ten police or fire personnel These are just a few examples of what effect residents have when products
and services are purchased locally. Buying local affects a community in three ways: fosters a sense of place;
reinforces entrepreneurism; and inhibits leakage to enhance the multiplier ef-
fect. Please consider Leander first in your family when you look for products
or services to buy. Your contribution to the community is greatly appreciated. | 
