Ithaca Hours is a local currency system that promotes local
economic strength and community self-reliance in ways which will
support economic and social justice, ecology, community
participation and human aspirations in and around Ithaca, New York.
Ithaca Hours help to keep money local, building the Ithaca economy.
It also builds community pride and connections. One Ithaca HOUR is
valued at US$10 and is generally recommended to be used as payment
for one hour's work, although the rate is negotiable.
Over 900 participants publicly accept Ithaca HOURS for goods and
services. Additionally some local employers and employees have
agreed to pay or receive partial wages in Ithaca Hours, further
continuing our goal of keeping money local.
The system has historical roots in scrip and alternative and local
currencies that proliferated in America during the great
depression. It is the oldest and largest local currency system in
the United States that is still operating.
