Building a financial ecosystem for thriving commons in Amsterdam
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By Natasha Hulst, Annelies van Herwijnen and David Bollier
In the heart of Amsterdam, a quiet revolution is underway. Amidst growing disillusionment with traditional market mechanisms, an increasing number of residents are gravitating towards collective initiatives known as commons. These endeavors, from community gardens to shared childcare and public space management, prioritize community well-being over profit, while at the same time avoiding bureaucratic complexities. As commons gain momentum, offering localized solutions to pressing needs, the City of Amsterdam looks for ways to support this movement.
One area where support is needed is finding and enabling the transfer of money into commons in such a way that it is adapted to the essence of commoning and that will allow commons to build a sustainable organization. At the forefront, AmsterDOEN, Amsterdam's Action program for commons, is dedicated to supporting commons for the betterment of community life and sustainable development.
Commons, distinct from conventional enterprises, operate on principles of collaboration,where members jointly manage shared resources such as land, urban spaces, and software. Rooted in social solidarity, fairness, inclusivity, and sustainable practices, these peer-governed communities exemplify grassroots resilience.
Recognizing the importance of commons and their potential, AmsterDOEN has partnered with the Schumacher Center for New Economics to explore a novel framework: Relationalized Finance. This innovative approach seeks to provide tailored support towards financing and funding the invaluable contributions of commons.
This report delves into the concept of commons and their role in modern urban societies. It aims to clarify the characteristics of commons and their value-creation dynamics. Additionally, the report scrutinizes their financial needs and proposes strategies for supporting commons, while acknowledging the very different priorities and designs of existing financial systems and thus their operational challenges in financing commons projects.
Moreover, the report advocates for commons as a humble yet potent vehicle for community empowerment and democratic governance of shared wealth. It emphasizes the need for innovative financial models, such as relationalized finance that align with and support the ethos of commons, resilience, social cohesion, and ecological stewardship.
In synthesizing theoretical insights with practical strategies, this report seeks to offer modest guidance for funding commons and supporting the movement. With collaborative efforts and thoughtful approaches, Amsterdam can harness the latent potential of commons to build more inclusive, sustainable, and thriving communities, both locally and beyond.
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