Ithaca HOURS is a pioneering local currency system founded in 1991 by Paul Glover to strengthen local economy resilience and community self-reliance in Ithaca, New York. The system operates on the principle that one HOUR equals approximately one hour of labor, creating a non-inflationary, interest-free currency backed by human time rather than debt. Participants—individuals and businesses—exchange paper notes for goods, services, and even local rent, creating an alternative economic ecosystem parallel to the federal dollar system.
The currency's design reflects anarchist and solidarity economics principles, with notes bearing images of local figures and landmarks rather than national political symbols. Over three decades, Ithaca HOURS has demonstrated remarkable staying power compared to other local currency experiments, surviving economic crises and digital disruption by maintaining strong community relationships and trust.