Michael Shuman

Michael H. Shuman, director of research and public policy, holds an A.B. with distinction in economics and international relations from Stanford University and a J.D. from Stanford Law School. An economist, attorney, author, and entrepreneur, Shuman has authored or coauthored eight books, including "The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition" (Berrett-Koehler, 2006), "Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in the Global Age" (Free Press, 1998), and "Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Move Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity." "The Small Mart Revolution" was awarded a bronze medal for best business book by the Independent Publishers' Association in 2006. His extensive research and publications have made significant impacts on community economics, notably his role in the crowdfunding reforms that led to the "JOBS Act," signed into law in April 2012.

Shuman is the Director of Community Portals for Mission Markets and a Fellow at both Cutting Edge Capital and the Post-Carbon Institute. Additionally, he serves as a founding board member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) and is an adjunct instructor in community economic development at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. His career spans significant contributions to economic development in various regions, including New Mexico, Detroit, and Boulder County.

Over the past 30 years, Shuman has delivered talks to local governments and universities across 47 states and eight countries, maintaining an average of more than one invited talk per week. His insights have been featured in major media outlets including the Lehrer News Hour, NPR’s "Talk of the Nation" and "All Things Considered," as well as in publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and The Nation. Through his prolific speaking engagements and writings, Shuman continues to influence discussions on local economies, business growth, and sustainable development globally.