Philadelphia City Council declares 2025 “Year of Cooperatives,” urges support for worker co‑ops

Philadelphia City Council on Thursday adopted a resolution declaring 2025 the Year of Cooperatives in Philadelphia and urged the city to explore all options to support the development and resilience of local cooperative businesses.

Councilmember Nick O'Rourke, who sponsored the resolution, said cooperatives are ‘‘businesses that are owned and democratically controlled by their members’’ and argued the model can boost local, inclusive ownership. The resolution cites the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives and notes more than 100 cooperatives operate in the Philadelphia area.

The measure drew brief remarks from cooperative leaders who described the local impact of worker co‑ops. Carmen Guerrero, identified in testimony as an owner of MASA Cooperativa, described an immigrant‑led food cooperative that seeks to preserve indigenous farming practices and provide ownership opportunities for undocumented workers. Terrell Cannon, co‑owner of Home Care Associates, told council the co‑op structure allowed workers to ‘‘build our business, continue to educate our workers, and have our workers have the power to make the decisions of the company.’’

Corey Reedy of the Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance (PACA) and Mo Manclang of the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives also addressed council. Reedy highlighted research showing worker cooperatives have lower turnover and higher profitability, and Manclang said cooperatives ‘‘create and save high quality jobs and build power, especially for Black and brown communities and immigrants.’’

Councilmembers from both the majority and minority supported the resolution. The measure passed on a voice vote; a roll‑call tally was not recorded in the meeting transcript.

The resolution asks the city to ‘‘explore all options’’ to support cooperative development, including technical assistance and contractor preferences, and directs an engrossed copy be presented to local cooperative organizations.

Advocates who testified asked for follow‑up steps beyond the proclamation: expanded contracting opportunities for co‑ops, technical assistance, and inclusion of co‑ops in city procurement strategies. The resolution itself does not create new funding or procurement changes; it directs study and encouragement rather than establishing specific programs.

Council adopted the resolution during the second‑reading and final‑passage portion of the meeting; proponents suggested future council work to translate the declaration into programs or procurement changes.