Cooperative Spaces & Shared Infrastructure
2025 was a year of momentum and meaningful growth across the Co-op Cincy network. One powerful example is the second Sustainergy Building, now home to three worker-owned cooperatives working side by side. This shared space reflects what’s possible when cooperatives invest in collective infrastructure.
This year, Renting Partnerships strengthened this ecosystem by creating a covenant rooted in cooperative values, shared responsibility, and long-term stability for worker-owned businesses. These partnerships help ensure cooperative spaces are not just places of work, but foundations for sustainable, values-aligned growth.
Growing Worker-Owned Businesses
Across our network, cooperatives grew in ways that deepen both impact and resilience. Old Growth Cooperative expanded from two to five worker-owners, reflecting increased demand and the strength of shared leadership. Rhizome Therapy Cooperative continued to grow as well, demonstrating how worker ownership can counter burnout and support sustainable, affirming mental health care.
A Historic Moment for Cooperatives in Cincinnati
This year marked a major civic milestone when Cincinnati City Council officially passed a resolution recognizing the UN International Year of the Cooperatives. The resolution lifts up cooperatives as a powerful strategy for building local economic resilience, equity, and community wealth.
With this action, Cincinnati became just the third city in the country to make such a proclamation — a meaningful signal that cooperative economics belong in our city’s long-term vision.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney for championing this resolution, and to the worker-owners, partners, and allies who showed up at City Hall to stand in support of cooperatives. Your presence and advocacy made this moment possible.
Building Solidarity Through Labor & Sustainability
2025 also brought powerful wins in sustainability and worker solidarity. Queen City Commons continued expanding its impact with a growing number of community compost drop-off sites across Cincinnati and Hamilton County — making local composting more accessible while keeping food scraps in our regional soil system.
We also celebrated a major step forward in worker power as Comp.coop officially joined the United Steelworkers. With this milestone, Co-op Cincy now supports three cooperatives that are unionized with the Steelworkers and Our Harvest Cooperative in the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, demonstrating what’s possible when unions and cooperatives move forward together.
Convening the Movement: Union Co-op Symposium
This year, Co-op Cincy proudly hosted the Union Co-op Symposium, bringing together worker-owners, union leaders, organizers, and allies from across the region and beyond. The Symposium created space for learning, strategy-building, and connection — reinforcing the shared belief that cooperatives and unions are stronger together.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we close out the Year of the Cooperative, we do so with clarity and momentum. The wins of 2025 remind us that worker ownership is not a theory — it’s a living, growing practice shaping our local economy every day. In 2026, we’ll continue building on this foundation: launching and strengthening cooperatives, deepening union partnerships, expanding shared infrastructure, and advancing policies that support democratic ownership. Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we’re carrying the power of cooperation forward.
