How Better Health Care for the Poor Makes a Stronger Economy for All
By keeping workers healthy, the Affordable Care Act will help the working poor achieve greater financial stability—and will probably boost the economy as well.
YES! Article archive
Economy
After Death of Radical Mayor, Mississippi’s Capital Wrestles With His Economic Vision
Mayor Chokwe Lumumba implemented only the first steps of his plan to address Jackson's extreme income inequality, which most seriously affected black residents. Now the city faces a choice between vastly different approaches to economic development.
Want to Fight the Corporate Takeover? Start with a Pint at the Pub
The British government is reversing damage done to local economies by the Great Recession by protecting local pubs.
Mondragón and the System Problem
Among the lessons of a major cooperative business' bankruptcy: The success of big co-ops might depend on things like radically reforming transportation and other parts of the larger economy.
A Parliament of Mayors: Can We End Inequality By Giving Cities More Power?
In our increasingly interdependent world, mayors may be more motivated to collaborate and possibly more capable than our national governments of effectively working across borders.
Remembering Chokwe Lumumba
Can you be a revolutionary and a mayor? Chokwe Lumumba—who spent eight months as mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, before he died—did his best to be both.
Tiny Houses for the Homeless: An Affordable Solution Catches On
A growing number of towns and cities have found a practical solution to homelessness through the construction of tiny-house villages—and housing officials are taking notice.
To Truly Address Inequality, Let’s Build a People-Centered Economy
The high-tech hubs and natural gas drilling the president called for in his state of the union speech aren't the answer to our economic woes. Instead, we need to follow the leadership already coming from communities, workers, and small-business owners.
How a Fruit and Vegetable Auction in Rural Ohio Helps Appalachian Farmers Thrive
Produce auctions are getting fresh vegetables into food deserts, building community, and helping rural farmers earn a living.
10 Clever Ideas From Around the World to Root Out Inequality (Like Fining Extreme CEO Pay)
From Switzerland to New York, it seems like people are talking more than ever about inequality—and its antidotes. Here are some of the most promising and provocative ideas from last year that could shift our course in 2014.
After 20-Year Fight, Bronx Community Wins Big on Development Project Committed to Living Wages and Local Economy
The people of New York’s poorest borough fought to ensure that redevelopment of its castle-like landmark will benefit those who live there. Will it be a gamechanger?
Philly’s New Land Bank: Will It Give Blighted Communities a Boost?
The city is home to more than 40,000 vacant properties. Now neighborhoods are hoping a new public entity can help them bounce back from the post-industrial blues.
Can this Small College in Maryland Pass the Fairest Wage Policy in US Academia?
An initiative developed by staff, students, and faculty would tie the earnings of the school's highest-paid employees to those of the lowest.
We Know Who Stole the Economy—National People’s Action Moves to Take It Back
"Listen to and work with your base to create a shared, big-picture narrative."
Artist’s Dollar-Bill Collages Question the Meaning of Money
"Anarchists are certain I'm an anarchist because I cut up a favorite tool of the oppressor," artist Mark Wagner says. "Capitalists think I'm a capitalist because I revel in it."
Bill de Blasio: A Mayor for the New Economy
New York City's new mayor has laid out a radically inclusive economic agenda.
Can Eminent Domain Be Used to Avert a Foreclosure Mess? This California City Thinks So
Governments usually use eminent domain powers to displace people. But one hardscrabble Bay Area city is going to the mat to do just the opposite—stabilize its economy and keep residents where they are.
Nobel Prize? Meet the Economic Movement That Really Deserves Praise
This week, the Nobel Prize for economics may have gone to three academics, but the real work of fixing our local economies was happening on the ground—as part of New Economy Week.
Welcome to Commonomics: How to Build Local Economies Strong Enough for Everyone
In our new series, YES! Magazine investigates what it will take to strengthen our local economies for the benefit of all.
Less than 2 Percent of Carpenters Are Women—Meet the Master Builder Working to Change That
Maria Klemperer-Johnson is getting women ready for a growing and high-paying field by teaching them to build eco-friendly tiny homes.
Bitcoin’s Growing Influence: How Peer-to-Peer Currencies Are Taking Off
The decentralization and bank-free nature of this digital currency is enjoying wider acceptance. Meanwhile, governments are beginning to borrow from its ideas.
Farmer Startups? How Incubators Are Helping Small, Sustainable Farms Take Off
Training farms known as incubators are helping immigrants and others get into farming. But Congressional wrangling over the Farm Bill has put their future in question.
Detroit Bankrupt? Six Ways the Motor City Is Thriving
National media accounts of Detroit's bankruptcy miss the growing industries, strong communities, and policy changes laying the foundation's for the city's recovery.
Mountain Grown: Appalachia’s New Local Food Economy
Hungry for okra, collards, and trout? In Appalachia, you can now get all your soul food cravings from local farmers.
Co-Op Academy Teaches Workers to Build Green and Cooperative Businesses
GRITtv's Laura Flanders speaks with the founder of the program and takes you inside one of its classes.
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