Session: Socioeconomic Models & Community Information Districts

Session Host: Prism Pantaz; Simon Galparin
Session Reporter: Michelle Ferrier

Participants: Burgess Brown, Payton Bruni, Mike Green, Fiona Morgan, Christine Whitney Sanchez, Andre Natta, Amber Rivera, Stephen Silha, Keegan Clements-Hauser

Changing economic model in U.S., loss of service jobs, what does this mean for our economy? Can we create a journalism model that is sustainable?

How do you define a “community”? Problem using existing structural inequalities (political lines, municipalities, school districts) and replicating in new system. Broaden focus to regional level and tying into economic development plans of the region.

Using regional economic level as they are accountable to development plans; and community foundations. Underserved communities continue to be disenfranchised regional economic development. Community foundations are partners in the process.

Must neutralize the politics of geography and create the actual community ownership; community foundation as fiscal agent for local journalism. Can pull together stakeholders; convener of conversations.

Portland Metro – represents three counties; business tax; goes into fund for mass transit; garbage collection; hotel tax; business tax. (tax funding).

Using sale of public airwaves to fund journalism. Fund for civic information. Community information fund: tax-based.
Post-capitalism.

Value, not attention.
New ascertainment structure (Fiona Morgan needs to flesh out)

Enterprise Zones → structure already in use to bring jobs to region.
Built environment → makes a difference.

Start from gnarly issues; large philosophical, structural decisions are difficult to grasp.

New Earth Movement: opting into an idea of a cooperative community.

On Flip Chart:

Increase engagement in a new system.
1. Employees have 10 percent of work paid time to engage.
2. Work in the community you live in.
3. Time is the key issue
4. Make decisions for communities you live in, not others/outsiders.
5. Create systems to mitigate the bullshit.
6. Choices for engagement.
7. People doing what they love Play to strengths.