People's Economy Lab

Curious to learn how transformative policies and practices can support local economies and community wealth, rather than the default of enriching already wealthy corporations and individuals? Listen to Bioneers' Community Wealth Building podcast series with Laura Flanders.

We're honored to be included in Northwest Area Foundation's blog reflecting on their grantmaking to support systems change.

We’re excited to invite you to “Effloresce: a Beyond BASE Gathering” on October 17-18! This two-day gathering in partnership with Cultural Space Agency, People’s Economy Lab, and Communities of Opportunity will bring together community leaders, cultural organizers, and creatives for an immersive experience of learning, collaboration, and connection. Expect engaging breakout sessions on community ownership, healing spaces, and cultural real estate development. Enjoy a community dinner, interactive art, and networking opportunities, as well as unique sessions like our timeline mapping activity and a sound bath to close the event. We hope to connect with you there!

As we gear up to host our first Community Assembly sessions with the City of Seattle Green New Deal Oversight Board, MLK Labor, and Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, we wanted to share some inspiration. We didn't develop the Community Assembly model from scratch! We were inspired by assembly efforts around the world.

Why have leaders in over 3,000 cities implemented participatory budgeting? Read Participatory Budgeting Project's Next Generation Democracy report to find out.

Mission-oriented investors, this Transform Finance webinar recording is for you: "How to Invest in Employee Ownership."

"We believe that who is at the table to design our economy and the systems that support it matters." Join Common Future on September 18, 1pm Pacific Time, for a webinar about building new power for an equitable economy.

In case you haven't seen it yet, Pacific Islander Community Association of WA's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Community Data Report is worth a read.

We have updates to share on our strategic & operational planning process. Here's the TL;DR, or visit the link below to read our full statement... > Over the last year+, PEL engaged in a strategic planning process to reflect on our past and current work; clarify our vision, values, and role within the Just Transition movement in Washington; create goals for the next three years; and determine what infrastructure is needed to carry out these goals. > For the most part, our strategic planning process has reaffirmed the work we’re already doing. We still envision an economy that serves people, instead of people serving the economy. And we're still committed to advancing a frontline community-led Just Transition to a solidarity economy in Washington state. > We honed in on three program areas: Economic Democracy, Community Wealth Building, and People's Economy Movement Building. > We also recently transitioned to a new fiscal sponsor: The Praxis Project!

NextCycle Washington's 2024 Pitch Showcase is scheduled for September 23. Register to attend and hear from businesses and groups taking part in NextCycle's circular economy project accelerator.