Join the Movement
Building a democratic, sustainable, and equitable economy means first building the infrastructure to support it.
The Bronx Cooperative Development Initiative (BCDI) is a community-led planning and economic development organization based in the Bronx. We are growing a network of community and labor organizations, anchor institutions, and small businesses to build an equitable, sustainable, and democratic local economy that creates shared wealth and ownership for low-income people of color--what we call economic democracy.
Grounded in a vision of black liberation, a movement building approach to economic transformation, and a community enterprise network model, we create people-centered planning and development processes; generate community solutions through innovation and digital fabrication technology; develop, grow, and connect local Bronx businesses to new opportunities; and train leaders from across sectors to advance a more democratic Bronx economy.
At the core of our model are six projects, which together coordinate critical economic actors in the Bronx, shift the ownership and governance of key assets, and ultimately, build shared wealth and ownership for low-income people of color. The first four of these projects have launched: BronXchange, Economic Democracy Learning Center, Planning and Policy Lab and the Bronx Innovation Factory. Civic Action Hub and Bronx Fund are currently in development.
BronXchange
The BronXchange is a marketplace that connects Bronx institutions and nonprofits with socially impactful local businesses in order to localize purchasing and build community wealth.
Economic Democracy Learning Center
Our Economic Democracy Learning Center prepares current and future partners to participate and lead the network; cultivates a culture rooted in economic democracy principles; and advances the collective understanding and knowledge of economic democracy based on experiences in the Bronx and from around the world.
Planning & Policy Lab
Our Planning and Policy Lab create and maintain the long-term strategy for equitable development and supportive public policy in the Bronx.
A Bronx-Wide Platform and Plan
A coalition of Bronx organizations will engage residents and local stakeholders to establish a community-driven, comprehensive vision for economic development rooted in advancing racial justice and economic democracy.
Bronx Innovation Factory
The Bronx Innovation Factory is a center for advanced manufacturing focused on shared-wealth enterprises and innovations that make a difference in the lives of Bronx residents.
Can we use
the Bronx’s existing
assets to
end poverty?
At BCDI, we ask the question: If community members collectively owned and governed key assets in the Bronx, could we create an economy that invests in human dignity, fosters community well-being, and supports a larger movement for self-determination? With our diverse network of partners, we are proving that this is possible.
It takes a village.
Your donation can help us continue our work, building a more equitable, sustainable, and democratic economy in the Bronx and a model that other communities can use in their own cities. Click below to donate today.
