About Us

Washington communities face systemic racism, income and wealth disparities, and the climate crisis, all built upon an economic system that is designed to extract resources and power from Black, Indigenous, and communities of color, immigrants and refugees, women, and other frontline communities to benefit a wealthy few. To meet the challenge, we must transition from this extractive economy to a solidarity economy that is cooperative, democratic, resilient, and just.

The People’s Economy Lab is led by and centers Black, Indigenous, and communities of color in the Seattle area who are striving for economic justice. We convene community leaders, workshop transformative ideas, and build better economic models. We push the boundaries of what’s possible for a Just Transition to a solidarity economy in Washington.

Our Mission

The People’s Economy Lab builds networks of leaders and advances projects that reshape our local economy towards one that is just, sustainable, and regenerative.

Our Vision

A multitude of local, community-centered economies, rooted in democracy and collective self-determination, that are sustainable and equitable, and that create shared well-being.

Through our Collaboration

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Indigenous artists are reclaiming stolen land and uplifting Native creative economies
Black-led organizations are building community-controlled development infrastructure, developing education programs, and piloting community-controlled capital funds that build generational wealth and combat displacement
Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs are creating intergenerational culinary arts programs and community composting systems that lay the foundation for hyperlocal circular economies
Gig workers unions are winning ground breaking labor protections and creating mutual aid systems
Latina community leaders are creating urban farming and food systems that they own and control cooperatively, as well as becoming a Spanish-language resource for cooperative development in Washington

Our Values

The solidarity economy puts people and places first. It is designed to meet local needs, here and everywhere, now and in the future.

Community

We focus on local needs and community ownership, where dollars circulate locally, wealth is built within communities, and trust is at the center of relationships.

Resilience

We cultivate a diverse and resilient economy. We learn and adapt from Native knowledge and practice continuous innovation.

Equity

We advance equitable access, community ownership, democratic decision making, and BIPOC leadership. We strive for racial equity and economic justice, to put intersectionality into practice, and to right historic and current wrongs.

Stewardship

We are stewards of care, service, and connection to people, the planet, and the commons. We are keepers of collective wisdom and knowledge.

Innovation

We believe we can make things better. We are risk-takers and adventurers. We dream big, push for change, and have fun!

Integrity

We are transparent and align our goals with community priorities. We believe in inclusive decision making and clear accountability.

Partnership

We honor relationships and are generous with ideas. We collaborate rather than compete; cooperate rather than dominate. We value personal connections rather than anonymous transactions.

Our History

In 2016, Seattle Good Business Network convened local economy leaders to create—as an antidote to the persistent, systemic economic inequity that plagues Seattle’s communities—a blueprint for a local economy that is equitable, diverse, and resilient. The founding Lab cohort convened leaders already working on the ground in innovative ways to localize the economy to create a shared vision and roadmap for a community-centered economy that works for everyone. From these original core set of ideas and leaders, the Lab has evolved into an independent project for community economy leaders, particularly leaders in BIPOC communities, to convene.

Timeline

2023

We supported Community Wealth Building pilot projects through the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods' Generational Wealth Initiative; presented a report and recommendations about Community Wealth Building to the Seattle City Council; researched and developed the concept of community assemblies as a tool for collaborative governance in Washington; brought people together to exchange knowledge and ideas and build relationships; and participated in regional and national conversations.

2022

We hosted a second cohort of New Economy Washington Frontline Community Fellows; started consulting on the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods' Generational Wealth Initiative; tested the feasibility of a Community Investment Trust model in the City of Seattle and King County; supported the development of the Community Owned Resource Development Coalition; and co-developed a collaborative governance framework for Washington State with frontline communities.

2021

We hosted the first cohort of New Economy Washington Frontline Community Fellows; held a Washington State Just Transition Strategy Summit; and piloted a partnership between three BIPOC-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide small business capital and technical assistance to low-income immigrants, refugees, women, and people of color in South Seattle and unincorporated King County whose businesses are vulnerable to failure and displacement.

2020

We formed the People’s Economy Lab Steering Committee to provide a vision and anchor our work in frontline communities. We advanced a shared network; convened leaders, ideas, and conversations; and executed projects such as the New Economy Washington (NEW) Frontline Community Fellowship.

2019

The Peoples’ Economy Lab became an independent project. Lab Leaders joined the team. Along with the original Lab Network, they formed the Community Capital Working Group. People’s Economy Lab and partners developed the New Economy Washington: A Path Forward report, articulating a vision and principles for creating an economically just future for Washingtonians, and putting forward recommendations for building a path to get us there.

2016-2017

The initial cohort of Lab Leaders researched, refined, and documented a set of initiatives that meet our values and principles and strategically advance a community-centered solidarity economy.

2016

The People’s Economy Lab was formed. Local economy leaders working on the ground in innovative ways came together to create a blueprint for a local economy that is equitable, diverse, and resilient as an antidote to the persistent, systemic economic inequity that plagues Seattle’s communities.