Tools for Change

Research Brief

Advancing Community Ownership Policy Through Multi-Sector Partnerships & Coalitions

Conducted by Leo Goldberg & Miriam Zuk, PhD. of Ground Works Consulting, as part of the Community Ownership Learning & Action (COLA) Lab

March 2026

This research looks at how community ownership organizations build diverse coalitions to strengthen policy advocacy, highlighting both the strategic benefits and challenges of cross-sector partnerships.

It finds that long-term relationship-building, inclusive framing, and strong leadership are essential to balancing broad collaboration with maintaining affordability and resident control.