Through our research and policy development, we are generating tangible systems change. Policymakers create the rules, plans, and actions that guide decisions about our economy, housing, healthcare, environment, and all aspects of how we live.

Research: We conduct evidence-based studies on re-localization strategies that transform our economy to be more equitable, fair, and community-led. Our research projects often lead to project implementation, that is to say, we put our studies into action through partnerships, pilot projects, and working with policymakers. Most of our research focuses on the level of anchor institutions such as hospitals, universities, municipalities, and public agencies, which have an enormous potential to shift us towards an economy that serves local people.

Examples of studies include:
– Economic leakage research, including distributional impacts
– Anchor Institution import replacement
– Sector specific transformation strategies

Policy: We aim to develop the intellectual and policy infrastructure for community wealth building in Atlantic Canada. We look at current structural barriers to economic democracy, and develop evidence based and community-informed policy solutions to allow our local rural communities to thrive.