Democracy Collaborative

The Democracy Collaborative, established in 2000, is a research and development lab for the democratic economy.

Our mission is to demonstrate in theory and in practice the principles of a democratic economy, offering a vision of what that economy can be, designing models that demonstrate how it operates, and building in coalition with others the pathways to a new reality. By making the democratic economy conceivable, visible, and practical, we open minds, ignite hope, and inspire action. to advance a new understanding of democracy for the 21st century and to promote new strategies and innovations in community development that enhance democratic life.

One of our goals is to ignite a shift from the prevailing paradigm of community economic development—and of the economy as a whole—toward a new emphasis on community wealth building. That includes:

• Broadening ownership and stewardship over capital
• Reparative justice for Black and other marginalized communities
• Democracy at the workplace
• Stabilizing community and emphasizing locality
• Equitable and inclusive growth
• Environmental, social, and institutional sustainability

We are also working to expand the sphere of public ownership, supporting coalitions working in such areas as banking, utilities, healthcare, and broadband with research and policy advocacy.