The New Orleans Cooperative Development Project is working toward forming a coalition of individuals and grassroots groups to bring more worker-owned businesses to the metro area.  While the metro area prides itself on innovation, we have neglected the area of economic innovation, especially in creating the necessary economic pathways that could serve to stem our rising poverty among the working class.  Other regions are engaging actively in opening up and building economic pathways that create greater community wealth.  Take a look at some of these initiatives and groups ~ Cooperation Texas and The Southern Grassroots Economies Project. The Philadelphia Cooperative Alliance is notable in their numbers ( 100 in the Philly area, 4 of which are worker-owned) and in their effectiveness and how they have teamed with their area legislators to garner support.  Their congressional representative, Congressman Chaka Fattah introduced the CREATING JOBS THROUGH COOPERATIVES ACT of 2013 this past June.  The bill will promote job creation and economic development in underserved communities through cooperative business development. In addition, The Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance (PACA) worked with their city council on a resolution supporting cooperative development as part of 2012's International Year of the Cooperative ~ See: http://www.philadelphia.coop/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Resolution-on-Co-ops-IYC-adopted-January-26-2012.pdfhttp://www.philadelphia.coop/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Resolution-on-Co-ops-IYC-adopted-January-26-2012.pdf

The recent much heralded election of Bill de Blasio as New York City's new mayor indicates how the rising tide of the new collaborative and cooperative approaches is transforming cities, as New York City is currently home to at least 23 worker cooperative businesses employing over 2000 workers in Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. This video by Grit TV A Co-op Story: People's Construction in Rockaway

of a cooperative development effort following the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy indicates the growing movement in that region.

Then there is Jackson, MS! Yes, that is Mississippi!  Jackson's new mayor, Chockwe Lumumba, elected on June 4, 2013  has this in his winning platform:

Economic Growth

The growth of the Jackson economy is necessary to improve the living standard and prosperity of the entire city.  Economic growth must be accompanied by economic justice.  Growth in the economy of the City must be shared by Jackson residents regardless of economic statics, race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality.

To achieve economic growth the following should be implemented in addition to programs and policies suggested elsewhere in this document.
Create an economic mission of business persons and workers who seek investors nationally and worldwide who will establish industry and business in Jackson.
Develop through the planning department and other relevant city agencies the capacity for Jackson to expand and create public works projects, particularly infrastructure projects.  Also develop the capacity to create green industry and green jobs.
Grant tax incentives for Green energy innovations and improvements by businesses and home owners.
Establish job training programs particularly in green industry, construction and recycling.
Develop new industry particularly in recycling, alternative energy and in other productive fields. Develop consumer and producer cooperatives.

Lumumba, in his former professional life, prior to becoming Jackson's mayor, was counsel for the late Tupac Shakur.
 
Let's begin building a more inclusive, collaborative and cooperative economy here too New Orleans! Email your contact info to: nolacoop@gmail.com
We need folks who will serve the New Orleans Cooperative Development Project's steering committee and other committees too ~ Be part of the change!