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Bill

B 26-0107

Opening Worker-Ownership: A New Economic Resilience Strategy (OWNERS) Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Zachary Parker

D.C. bill establishes framework promoting worker ownership of businesses to build employee wealth, create economic resilience, and keep business profits circulating in communities.

Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0107 Published in the District of Columbia Register
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Bill Summary · B 26-0107

Legislative bill overview

Bill B 26-0107 would establish a new framework in Washington, D.C. to promote and facilitate worker ownership of businesses, potentially through cooperative structures, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), or other ownership models. The bill aims to create an "economic resilience strategy" by shifting wealth-building opportunities toward workers and creating more stable, community-rooted enterprises.

Why is this important

Worker ownership models can increase employee retention, boost productivity, and help workers build personal wealth while keeping business profits circulating within communities rather than concentrating at the top. For D.C., this could address income inequality and economic mobility concerns while potentially strengthening local economies through more resilient, community-invested businesses.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation complexity: Establishing infrastructure to support worker-owned businesses requires significant government resources, training programs, and financing mechanisms that may strain city budgets or require private sector partnerships
  • Business feasibility concerns: Critics may question whether transitioning existing businesses or starting new worker-owned enterprises is practical, particularly in high-cost markets like D.C., and whether workers want ownership responsibilities alongside employment
  • Market intervention philosophy: Some may object to government actively promoting specific business ownership models rather than letting market forces determine business structures, raising debates about appropriate government economic role

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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