Cooperators are leveraging the UN’s spotlight on cooperatives to begin or expand regional commitment to worker cooperative enterprises, the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives (USFWC) reports.
Olympia, WA has declared 2025 the Year of Cooperatives, joining five other U.S. cities recognizing the model’s vital role in solving regional, national and global challenges. USFWC and NCBA member Northwest Cooperative Development Center led the effort, with the resolution passing Monday, August 4.
Olympia’s Blue Heron Bakery, a USFWC member, transitioned to worker and community ownership with support from the City of Olympia and the NWCDC, according to The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater. Since converting, “The long-established business has grown significantly—adding nearly 25% more jobs and increasing its sales by 36%, demonstrating how cooperative conversions can both preserve and expand local employment,” the journal reports.
But steep federal funding cuts threaten co-op development. States and cities must step up their investments to keep worker co-ops growing and thriving.
By declaring 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives, the UN offered the U.S. cooperative movement a rare opening: the power of global attention. At a time of deep political uncertainty and economic volatility, the world is searching for models of economic and democratic renewal. Cooperatives offer a path forward.
Olympia joins Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Anchorage, Pittsburgh and Meadville. With these resolutions, cooperators are leveraging the UN’s spotlight on cooperatives to begin or expand regional commitment to supporting local worker cooperative enterprises.
Ask your city or state to declare 2025 the Year of Cooperatives
The U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives is calling on cooperators nationwide to seize this moment to strengthen our ecosystems and to promote and advance worker co-ops. The USFWC is here to help. Email policy@usworker.coop if you are interested in spearheading this effort in your region.