By: Elizabeth Orozco and Alfredo Carlos

On August 1st, Santa Ana became the first Southern California city to formally pass a resolution supporting worker cooperatives. The City Council voted on a resolution to study ways that the city can support the development of worker cooperatives. The research will focus on studies to observe work cooperatives, including a report of recommendations on incentives for cooperatives, reviewing business license fee structure, reducing rates, and creating strategies to fund and develop cooperatives. The study will take place within 90 days of the resolution passage; and decisions on how to fund and support the expansion of worker cooperatives will be further announced.

Communities all over California, including low income communities in Southern California, are suffering from gentrification in the form of rent rates increasing and stagnant wages. Residents of Santa Ana have been the victims of this process, with 20% of them living in poverty. Santa Ana, situated in Orange County, is home to Disneyland as well as the home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the county’s average income is $81,194 compared to Santa Ana’s $54,640 average. Rent has increased 9.3% and for residents earning a $10,000 annual income, a $2,065 monthly rate for rent has them living paycheck to paycheck. Worker-owned businesses would help some of these traditionally low income residents build community wealth, helping to offset the effects of rising housing costs and stagnant wages by keeping profits with the workers themselves.

We recently moved into our new office space at WeWork Long Beach in the heart of Downtown Long Beach: 100 W Broadway Long Beach CA 90802. WeWork Long Beach provides a comfortable environment for both those who conduct their work there as well as any guests.

"WeWork is a global network of workspaces where companies and people grow together. We transform buildings into dynamic environments for creativity, focus, and connection. More than just the best place to work, though, this is a movement toward humanizing work. We believe that CEOs can help each other, offices can use the comforts of home, and we can all look forward to Monday if we find real meaning in what we do".

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The onsite staff made us feel welcome instantly. The office layout provides several different amenities: a comfortable common area, shared workspace, private offices, conference rooms, private phone call booths, printing, high-speed internet, complimentary beverages, and much more.