This guide explores worker cooperative networks as a neighborhood, municipal and regional strategy for generating wealth. Drawing from two cases, the authors put forth a framework for building a scalable cooperative network in post-industrial American cities. This guide may be useful to practitioners learning about cooperative business models or exploring strategies to spread worker ownership.

This publication examines the sectoral development field, explaining how it differs from other workforce development approaches, how it has grown over time, what it has achieved, and how it can be used to strengthen regional economies and business competitiveness. Content was drawn from interviews with workforce program leaders, program visits and survey responses from more than 225 workforce organizations. Included are brief case studies on dozens of innovative initiatives that illustrate key aspects of the sector strategy. The publication is geared not only to workforce professionals, but also to policy makers and funders who design and support programs, and/or develop regulations and guidelines related to these approaches. Those seeking an in-depth, up-to-date look at the sectoral employment development field will find much of value in this publication.

This topline organizational self-assessment can be used to measure staff competencies and awareness of racial inequities in your organization. The assessment includes questions related to competencies as well as organizational operations. The resulting racial equity score corresponds to potential next steps and tools that can help support your organization wherever you may be on your racial equity journey.

This article includes information and approaches for developing ownership cultures that align employee and company interests. Practices discussed can be applied across a range of different ownership structures and draw from the authors’ personal experiences as well as case studies to highlight practical considerations for implementing employee ownership structures. Businesses and business support organizations who are implementing or exploring employee ownership structures may find this resource particularly useful.

Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA) is a worker-owned cooperative and employer-based training program that provides home health aide services in New York City’s South Bronx and Northern Manhattan. The cooperative was launched in 1985 as part of a strategy to improve the low-wage occupation of the home health aide. This case study documents the organization’s evolving approach to operating as part of the home health industry, noting its strategies and accomplishments in the areas of improving the quality of jobs, developing career ladders, influencing industry practice and effecting policy change. Details on the organization’s operations and approach to training are also provided.

This is a high-level, generalist guide for starting a worker cooperative or transitioning an existing business. In addition to providing an overview of the principles and function of cooperative ownership, the guide provides an explainer on developing business ideas and decision-making processes. This guide is useful to workers, advocates, and those engaged in outreach to existing values-based employers.