Organizing for Equitable Economic Development: The Significance of Community Empowerment Organizations for Unions

Abstract

[Excerpt] In response to the pervasive pursuit of low-road economic development strategies, several local unions have take the lead in devising high road strategies for their local economies. Unions are known for their involvement in economic development at firm, industry, and national levels, but initiatives to recast the economic development process at the community level constitutes a departure. Through its endorsement by the Working for America Institute, the departure has gained the support, if not the financial backing, of the AFL-CIO. Given the newness of these initiatives, their potential impact remains to be determined. However, examining the organizations already operating on this urban terrain, community-based development organizations (CBDOs), affords a useful perspective for assessing the implications of the newest union tactic for advancing economic development goals.