As we look toward the year ahead, like all businesses, cooperatives face a great amount of uncertainty—in the economy, in policy and in how people engage with their work and each other.
The accelerating pace of technological change in AI and beyond presents both opportunities for businesses to increase productivity and major risks for individuals, both as workers and private citizens. Meanwhile, the long-term slide in people’s confidence in institutions, both public and private, continues. Finally, while some economic indicators show positive signs for the overall economy, far too many households find it nearly impossible to keep up with rising costs. With each of these dynamics—technology, institutional confidence and affordability—cooperatives have a unique and important role to play. When people own and control their own businesses, they can make sure those businesses benefits their members and communities. To put it plainly, the country and the world need cooperatives now more than ever.
Built for this moment
For co-ops to thrive, they need to work together. This fact is baked into the Cooperative Identity in the 6th Cooperative Principle, “Cooperation among cooperatives.” While this principle includes the idea of co-ops doing business together, it also focuses on co-ops working together in association to ensure a better policy environment and to increase the public’s understanding. For these reasons, a group of co-ops came together 110 years ago to establish a cross-sector association for the U.S. then called the Cooperative League of the United States of America—what is currently known as the National Cooperative Business Association. Because co-ops are so critical for this moment, our work is as important as ever.
Before talking about 2026, I should start by speaking plainly about the year behind us. In 2025, NCBA faced the greatest challenge to its existence in our 110-year history. The scale and speed of disruption tested every part of the association: from our finances to our people. Through it all, we not only endured; we adapted, stabilized and emerged with sharper clarity about our mission, value and the role NCBA must play in the cooperative economy.
At our core, NCBA exists to develop, advance and protect cooperatives. Our vision is equally clear: to help more people use cooperatives to build an inclusive economy—one that works for members and their communities. The challenges of 2025 did not change that purpose. They clarified it. In a moment that demanded focus and resolve, we were reminded why NCBA matters and what only this association can do.
That clarity matters because cooperatives matter—at scale. Today, more than one in three Americans—over 150 million people—are members of a cooperative. Co-ops power essential sectors of the economy, from agriculture and finance to housing, utilities, retail and worker ownership. For 110 years, NCBA has supported this growth, helping cooperatives adapt, organize and thrive through periods of economic expansion, political change and global disruption. The sustained impact of the cooperative model is not accidental; it is the result of long-term investment, advocacy and stewardship—work NCBA has carried forward across generations.
The outcome we reached in 2025 was not inevitable. It was the result of hard decisions made quickly, disciplined execution under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to cooperative principles. Just as important, it was made possible by the partnership and support of our members. When NCBA needed its cooperative community most, you showed up—through engagement, encouragement and, critically, through the Sustain and Grow campaign. That collective support was a vote of confidence not only in the association, but in the belief that cooperatives—and the institutions that support them—are worth sustaining for the long term. We would not be here without you.
That collective support was a vote of confidence not only in the association, but in the belief that cooperatives—and the institutions that support them—are worth sustaining for the long term.
The challenges of 2025 forced us to confront difficult truths. We were required to close out major programs, restructure our operations, and operate with a level of financial discipline that left no room for ambiguity or excess. At the same time, we upheld our obligations—to partners, funders, staff and communities—while maintaining credibility and professionalism. In doing so, we preserved not only our footing, but our integrity.
That work revealed something critical: clarity. 2025 compelled us to focus on what NCBA does best, what the cooperative movement most needs from its national association, and how we must position ourselves to be resilient in a rapidly changing environment. Survival was the immediate task. Repositioning for long-term impact was the greater objective.
Essential infrastructure for a strong and resilient economy
The year ahead carries special significance. 2025 marked the International Year of Cooperatives—a global recognition of cooperatives as practical, people-centered solutions to economic and social challenges. For NCBA, this was not a single moment or campaign, but the beginning of heightened efforts to elevate the visibility of cooperatives in the U.S. At a time when policymakers are searching for durable, locally grounded economic solutions, cooperatives offer a proven model—one that aligns ownership, accountability and community benefit.
At a time when policymakers are searching for durable, locally grounded economic solutions, cooperatives offer a proven model—one that aligns ownership, accountability and community benefit.
That focus will intensify in the year ahead. NCBA is committed to advancing a strong, coordinated policy agenda that protects and expands the tools cooperatives need to thrive. We will continue to engage Congress and the Administration on priorities ranging from cooperative development funding to tax policy and regulatory frameworks that recognize the unique structure and value of cooperatives. Our message is straightforward: cooperatives are not a niche business model—they are essential infrastructure for a strong and resilient economy.
Building what comes next
For our members, the year ahead is about rebuilding and becoming stronger together. The lessons of 2025 are shaping a clearer member value proposition—one grounded in advocacy, practical support, meaningful convening and timely information. As cooperatives continue to impact millions of Americans, NCBA’s role is to ensure that the movement has a strong, credible and effective national voice.
The pivot that emerged from 2025 is also shaping how we position the association for long-term sustainability. We are focused on building a more diversified and resilient funding model that supports our mission while reducing risk. In parallel, we are aligning our operations to ensure NCBA is fit for that purpose—nimble, transparent and trusted by members, funders and policymakers alike.
After 110 years, NCBA stands at a moment of renewed purpose. The challenges of 2025 tested us, but they also refined us. We are clearer about who we are, more disciplined in how we operate, and more focused on the impact we are here to deliver.
The year ahead is about building what comes next. With the continued partnership of our members and a shared commitment to cooperative principles, NCBA is ready to lead—strengthening a movement that already serves more than 150 million people, and ensuring cooperatives remain a vital force in building an inclusive economy for generations to come.