Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development Cooperatives topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cincinnati City Council recognizes Coop Cincy during United NationsInternational Year of Cooperatives
Summary
Cincinnati City Council unanimously passed a resolution recognizing Coop Cincy and the U.N. declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, following public comments from co-op leaders and worker-owners about job stability, local wealth-building and technical assistance needs.
Cincinnati City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution recognizing Coop Cincy and marking 2025 as the United NationsInternational Year of Cooperatives.
The resolution was presented by Vice Mayor Jan-Michelle Kearney and followed public comment from local cooperative leaders. "My name is Ellen Vera. I'm the co director of Coop Cincy," Ellen Vera told council, describing co-ops as "businesses owned and democratically controlled by their members" that create "better paying jobs" and "keep our profits local." Vera and other speakers said the local network includes childcare, solar and food co-ops and has grown in recent years.
The nut graf: Council members said they view cooperatives as an economic development tool for job stability, wealth retention and inclusion. Vice Mayor Kearney noted the U.N.'s 2025 designation and called Coop Cincy "a phenomenal organization" that supports worker ownership through technical assistance and access to capital.
Council members and public commenters cited examples and local affiliates. Bill Tucker said a Cincinnati delegation visited the Basque region's Mondragon network and called worker ownership "scalable" and "global" in reach. Andy Bowling, introduced himself as "cofounder and software engineer of comp dot coop" and urged the council to recognize 2025 locally so worker-owners can preserve Main Street businesses when owners retire.
Council comments stressed local economic goals. Council member Owens said the coop model supports the city's "green jobs" initiative and called Coop Cincy "an important partner." Council member Jeffries highlighted succession planning for baby-boomer business owners and the opportunity for co-op conversions.
The resolution passed by roll call with all voting members recorded as "yes." Council members present recorded their votes one-by-one: Council member Johnson yes; Vice Mayor Kearney yes; Council member Nolan yes; Council member Owens yes; Council member Parks yes; Council member Walsh yes; Council member Albee yes; Council member Kramer Ding yes; Council member Jeffries yes.
Council and Coop Cincy representatives said they hope the city proclamation will increase public awareness, encourage technical support and improve access to capital for worker-owned enterprises.
