HOUR loans are made without interest charges. Local currency gradually expands our control over the local economy. This control is more essential to democracy than voting, since most politicians are already sold to the corporations which sponsor them. Ithaca's money honors local features we respect, like native flowers, powerful waterfalls, crafts, farms and our children. Our Beverly J. Martin commemorative HOUR is the first paper money in the U.S. to honor an African-American.
Local currency is also lots of work and responsibility.
To give other communities a boost, we've been providing a Hometown Money Starter Kit. We've sent the Kit to over 1,000 communities so far, and our example has become international. There are at least 66 HOUR systems in North America, with at least 42 more forming. He has worked in advertising, journalism and barnyards, and rides his bicycle everywhere.