communityeconomy

A community economy is a system where economic activity is organized around the needs and well-being of a specific geographic community or group of people. It often emphasizes local control, social equity, and environmental sustainability over purely profit-driven motives. This can manifest in various ways, including the support of local businesses, the creation of shared resources, and the development of cooperative enterprises. The focus is on building resilience within the community and ensuring that economic benefits are distributed more broadly among its members.

Key principles of a community economy often include fostering local ownership and investment, encouraging direct participation of residents in economic decision-making, and prioritizing social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. This can involve initiatives like farmers' markets that connect local producers directly with consumers, community land trusts that ensure affordable housing, or local currencies that encourage spending within the region. The goal is to create an economic system that serves the people and the place it is embedded within, rather than being dictated by external forces. Such economies aim to reduce economic leakage, create local employment opportunities, and build stronger social connections.