2021
"Funding the Cooperative City" is a compelling exploration of innovative financial mechanisms that empower communities to take control of their living environments. This book delves into the roles of citizen initiatives, cooperatives, and various non-profit organizations as they navigate the often challenging landscape of real estate development. By stepping away from conventional practices, these entities create alternative pathways to access, purchase, renovate, or build properties that serve their communities' needs. Through a combination of insightful interviews and detailed analyses, the book highlights numerous success stories and models that illustrate the potential of community finance and civic economy. It showcases how these new approaches not only challenge traditional real estate dynamics but also foster resilience and inclusivity within local communities. By presenting a rich tapestry of experiences, the authors provide a helpful resource for practitioners seeking to implement similar initiatives. Additionally, "Funding the Cooperative City" serves as a valuable guide for a diverse audience, including community organizations, private developers, municipalities, and EU institutions. These stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the cooperative model to support the creation of vibrant, inclusive spaces and services. The book ultimately advocates for a shift in perspective, urging readers to reconsider established norms in urban development and embrace collaborative efforts to build sustainable and equitable communities.
Funding the Cooperative City explores how citizen initiatives, cooperatives, non-profit companies, community land trusts, crowdfunding platforms, ethical banks and anti-speculation foundations step out of the regular dynamisms of real estate development and arrange new mechanisms to access, purchase, renovate or construct buildings for communities. Through interviews and analyses, this book describes tendencies and contexts, and presents stories and models of community finance and civic economy. It offers a helpful set of resources not only for community organisations and initiators of civic spaces, but also for private developers, municipalities and EU institutions that are willing to support, facilitate or cooperate with them in order to create more resilient and inclusive local communities, facilities and services.