Can localism in the form of actively promoting vernacular architecture save a dying town? In the 1980s a declining Kaneyama town, Yamagata Prefecture (Japan) started promoting the construction of these traditional home built of 40 cubic meters of locally harvested cedar. 
A document was drawn up describing the style and the construction method, materials etc. needed to build in the local vernacular, and a cash offer of 800 000 yen ($7,500) to any new constructions. All local contractors offered this style and soon had 90% of all contracts.
The knock on effect revitalized the entire town: land owners could sell wood, forestry became attractive, local constructors could hire and train new staff: all the money spent returned to the city coffers and the town became famously attractive to newcomers and tourists.
These houses are invulnerable. "Although buildings are owned by individuals, the townscape itself is a common good and belong the community." What if every town was built this way? Local builders with the local materials. The money staying in the town. What'd your town look like?
