Cooperatives are governed by the principle of one member, one vote, which ensures that all members have an equal say in decision-making. Cooperatives play a crucial role in building community wealth for several reasons:

• Serving underserved markets: Cooperatives often provide goods and services in areas that traditional businesses overlook as less profitable.
• Local economic impact: Since many cooperative members are local residents, profits stay in the community and circulate, strengthening the local economy.
• Empowering people: Cooperatives empower individuals by giving them ownership and a voice in the business.
• Creating sustainable jobs: Co-ops offer stable, local employment opportunities, which contribute to long-term economic stability.
• Addressing emerging needs: Cooperatives can quickly adapt to meet new and evolving community needs.
• Shared ownership and risk: With shared ownership comes shared risk, both financially and in terms of liability, reducing overall operational costs.
• Neighborhood stabilization: Co-ops can help stabilize neighborhoods, particularly in times of change, by maintaining local services and creating community resilience.