Activate Your Town's
Communication Layer
A network of digital screens across local businesses sharing community updates, events, and local advertising.
Currently available for Iowa communities with fewer than 10,000 residents.
How a Community Network Works
Display Local provides the infrastructure for a community screen network—from plug-and-play signage devices to simple dashboards that manage content and advertising.
We think it's most effective when a local chamber or community organization operates the network—creating a reliable way to share community updates and generate non-dues revenue.
Host a Screen
• A local business hosts a screen in a visible spot.
• You provide the TV/monitor; Display Local provides the signage device.
• Hosts can promote their own services alongside community updates.
Manage Content
• A chamber, Main Street program, or local group operates the network.
• They schedule announcements, approve content, and manage ad slots.
• Everything is controlled from the Community Admin Dashboard.
Advertise Locally
• Local businesses advertise across screens around town.
• Great for offers, hiring, events, and sponsorships.
• Creates a new, non-dues revenue stream for the operator.
A New Source of Non-Dues Revenue
Most chambers rely on dues, sponsorships, and events. A community screen network adds a fourth pillar: a modern local advertising platform that generates revenue while helping the town stay connected.
A new source of non-dues revenue
Community networks create a recurring income stream that isn’t tied to dues, banquets, or fundraising events—helping support programming year-round.
Affordable advertising for local businesses
Local businesses can promote offers, services, and hiring across screens around town—reaching residents where they already spend time.
Better communication for the whole town
Beyond ads, the network keeps residents informed with events, announcements, school updates, sports, and timely public notices.
How the revenue model works (simple version)
Local businesses sponsor the network through affordable monthly ad placements. The organization that manages the network (often the chamber) shares in that revenue—creating a predictable, community-funded income stream.
What Makes a Strong Community Network?
Community screen networks can technically work anywhere, but some towns are especially well positioned to benefit. Through our research across 900+ communities , we believe we've identified the characteristics that make a strong candidate for a successful community network.
Active Local Businesses
Communities with strong local businesses create natural locations for screens and local advertisers. Pharmacies, coffee shops, banks, restaurants, and grocery stores provide the daily foot traffic that makes the network valuable.
Local Leadership
The most successful networks are operated by a chamber of commerce, Main Street program, or similar organization that already coordinates community initiatives and events.
Right-Sized Communities
In our research, towns between roughly 1,000 and 10,000 residents often provide the ideal balance of local businesses, community leadership, and daily foot traffic.
Ideal Community Size
Often too small to support enough hosts and advertisers
Ideal range for community screen networks
Often more complex due to corporate chains and local politics
