Chicagoland Donut Economics Coalition (ChiDEC)

ChiDEC’s goal is to promote a more equitable and regenerative economic transformation within the Chicagoland area -- one that meets the needs of all people within the means of the living planet. We seek to create a community of practice for like-minded individuals, communities, and organizations aligned with the Doughnut Economics principles -- working together to take action on and create transformative change.

ChiDEC is an all-volunteer organization. We formed in 2025 with individuals from all walks of life brought together for one purpose: to reimagine the economy. Using the tools at Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL), ChiDEC strives to promote a regenerative and redistributive economy in the Chicago area through engagement with various sectors and adjacent schools of thought including: circular economy, new economy, degrowth, Green Deal 2.0, Wellbeing economy and more. In Feb. 2026 we released the Chicago Donut 2025 report. In 2026 we are working on Deep Dive reports for some of the Chicago Donut social and ecological dimensions -- examples are drafts for Chemical Pollution and Health. We have co-hosted events to promote ChiDEC, including tabling at Re-use-a-Palooza, Reimagining Our Economy Panel Discussion at the Climate Action Museum, and Life Reimagined Game Night during Climate Action Week.