Community Power Is Finally Going Big in Economic Development — Next City
Next City

Community Power Is Finally Going Big in Economic Development

April 15, 2026 · 34 min

Why listen

Community-owned real estate is moving from the margins to the mainstream of economic development.

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Community Power Is Finally Going Big in Economic Development
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In this episode

  • How community ownership models are scaling beyond small pilot projects
  • Why investors and officials are starting to back these approaches
  • What relationship-building looks like between communities and power brokers
  • The real obstacles still standing between community control and lasting impact

About this episode

Community-owned commercial real estate models are starting to make bigger splashes, thanks in part to building relationships with investors and officials who see their value.

Next City

About Next City

Straw Hut Media

Join Lucas Grindley, executive director at Next City, where we believe journalists have the power to amplify solutions and spread workable ideas. Each week Lucas will sit down with trailblazers to discuss urban issues that get overlooked.

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