There is dire need for a transition from extractive economies that generate extreme inequality and ecological collapse, to economies that support wellbeing for all, ensure thriving ecological systems and health, equitably distribute power and wealth, and value the dignity of all work - a belonging economy. Through a decade of deep partnerships with place-based organizations in Richmond, CA, Puerto Rico, New York, and elsewhere, we have advanced equitable development policies, community benefits campaigns, community-owned development entities, anchor institution strategies, and just transition planning.
Current Projects
- Our Future Economy is a participatory planning collaboration co-creating spaces for residents to imagine and plan for their visions of a future economy, with partners Young Women’s Freedom Center, Eastbay Center for Performing Arts, Safe Return Project, Urban Tilth, and Full Spectrum Labs.
- Our work on Contaminated Land and Equitable Development is reimagining and evaluating how California invests in equitable clean up and reuse of contaminated lands, with the California Environmental Justice Alliance and California Department of Toxic Substance Control.
Previous Projects
- Community-led just transition planning for a future economy that ensures wellbeing for all, with the Richmond Listening Project.
- Co-design with a collaborative of BIPOC community leaders creating a community-owned development entity, Richmond LAND.
- Local equitable development policy for city-wide community benefits (the 1st in the country) with the City of Richmond and Julian Gross.
- Community-driven plan for a new university campus to achieve equitable impact across education, housing, employment and more, with Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization, Safe Return Project and other partners.
