The Pittsburgh Cooperative Ecosystem: Racial Fairness and Prosperty
A Talk by Mathew Forth , Ben Ledewitz and Chloe Newman
About this Talk
For over two centuries, cooperatives in Pittsburgh have provided economic resilience and self-determination across diverse communities — serving as powerful tools through industrial shifts, economic crises, and ongoing inequality. Today, dozens of cooperatives continue that legacy, building democratic businesses that prioritize workers, community, and equity. In this session, members of three Pittsburgh-based cooperatives — from the arts, construction, and food sectors — will share how and why they chose the cooperative model, highlighting the impact of shared ownership and collective decision-making. Moderated by a cooperative business developer, the panel will explore how these member-led enterprises offer viable, justice-centered alternatives in today’s economy.