Bill > B26-0107

This bill proposes to amend the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act by introducing a new section focused on promoting worker-owned businesses and cooperative economic models. The bill requires the Department to conduct a comprehensive survey by November 2025 to identify potential business closures, opportunities for worker cooperative conversions, and asset opportunities that could strengthen the local economy. By March 2026, the Department must produce a detailed report with policy recommendations developed in consultation with community members, particularly those from historically marginalized and low-wealth communities. The report will outline strategies for developing a robust cooperative and community wealth-building infrastructure, including methods to support worker cooperative conversions, such as providing technical assistance, exploring tax credits, creating financing mechanisms, and developing simplified licensing categories. The bill defines various terms like "alternative ownership model," "community-ownership," and "worker cooperative conversion," emphasizing the goal of shifting economic decision-making power toward workers, producers, consumers, and community members. Key objectives include making it easier for employee groups to acquire and manage businesses, supporting economic resilience, and creating pathways for workers to gain ownership stakes in existing businesses through cooperative conversion strategies.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0107