Cross-Sectoral

This guidebook organized by the California Financial Opportunities Roundtable (CalFOR) identifies roadblocks to and develops recommendations for leveraging existing resources and expanding opportunities for sustainable economic development, job growth and wealth creation. Solutions range from micro-finance to new bonding authorities as well as innovations within traditional investment classes.

Gamaliel’s latest study, Community Organizing As Job Creator, argues that more investment in community organizing leads to multiple economic benefits including job creation and community stabilization. Examining the achievements of the Gamaliel network over the last five years, the study finds that the network directed over $16.6 billion toward infrastructure development, education and transit that created and saved a total of nearly 640,000 jobs. The report is intended not just for community organizers, but also elected officials, businesspeople, government agencies, and any advocate for the common good.

To mark the 50^th anniversary of the March on Washington, United for a Fair Economy outlines how a national history of racially discriminatory policies and practices created the racial wealth divide that exists today. Worse, present policy perpetuates these patterns. This report offers recommendations for housing, ownership, and wealth creation policies that aim to reduce this divide by designing asset building policies that reach those most in need and not just home-buyers and encouraging alternative ownership models that build community, and not just individual, wealth.  Included are several case studies that highlight action at the local, state, and regional levels to address racial inequality.