Join us Oct. 24 for a long-awaited hearing on how the City of Philadelphia can support the growth of cooperative businesses. 

From 1 to 3 p.m. at City Hall Room 400, Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Commerce and Economic Development will hold a public hearing on Resolution No. 160701 regarding the development of co-ops and initiatives to support their growth.

Spearheaded by the Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance, this hearing is an important first step to using public policy to boost the cooperative economy in Philadelphia. And it’s about time! The city can find millions of dollars for tax abatements to condominium owners and real-estate developers downtown. What about investing some of our money in enterprises that are owned and controlled by the workers or by the people who use its services or buy its goods?

PACA’s work on the resolution was inspired by cooperative business development initiatives in other cities, including New York and Madison, WI. In early 2016, PACA staff, board and allies started meeting with City Council members to explore how Philadelphia can support the development of cooperatives. In a city where one in four residents lives in poverty, the power of the cooperative model as a strategy to address inequality and build community wealth is gaining traction among councilmembers. Councilman Derek Green championed the cooperative resolution, with support from Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Councilwoman Helen Gym, and Councilman Mark Squilla.

Funding technical assistance, assisting in the conversion of existing businesses to worker cooperatives and developing a cooperative loan fund are just three ways that we could significantly boost the creation of cooperative businesses.

At the hearing, we will also hear from national and local experts on what is happening and from many cooperatives in our city that are starting up and growing. 

For more information, visit www.philadelphia.coop/hearing or contact michaela@philadelphia.coop.

We need you to show up in force to show Council that we want their support to grow our diverse network of cooperatives in Philadelphia. See you at City Hall!