Community Wealth Building Scoping Review
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: The purpose of this scoping review is to systematically map the existing literature on Community Wealth Building (CWB)—a transformative approach to local economic development that emphasizes democratic ownership, local investment, and inclusive prosperity. By reviewing and synthesizing the breadth of research, policy reports, and case studies on CWB, this project aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how the concept is defined, operationalized, and evaluated in different contexts. CWB is increasingly gaining traction as an alternative to traditional economic development strategies, particularly in regions affected by economic inequality, deindustrialization, and systemic disinvestment. However, the term encompasses a range of models and strategies, including worker cooperatives, anchor institution strategies, local procurement policies, community land trusts, and participatory budgeting. Given its growing relevance and evolving application, a scoping review is timely and necessary to understand its conceptual boundaries, practical applications, and outcomes. Objectives: - To identify and map the range of definitions, models, and principles associated with CWB. - To categorize the types of interventions and strategies used in CWB across different geographic and policy contexts. - To examine reported outcomes, benefits, and challenges associated with CWB implementation. - To highlight gaps in the existing research and suggest areas for future study or policy development. Expected Outcomes - A conceptual map of the various definitions, goals, and pillars of CWB. - A taxonomy of strategies (e.g., cooperative ownership, anchor institution procurement, community finance mechanisms) used to build wealth at the community level. - A summary of case studies and documented impacts, including economic, social, and environmental outcomes. - Identification of research gaps, such as underexplored regions, sectors, or stakeholder perspectives. - A reference resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in adopting or studying CWB models. Significance of the Research This scoping review will contribute to a clearer understanding of CWB as a field of practice and study. It will support more informed policymaking by highlighting successful interventions and potential pitfalls. For scholars, it will serve as a foundational piece that synthesizes fragmented literature and guides future empirical and theoretical work. For practitioners and community leaders, it offers a curated knowledge base to inform localized CWB strategies.
Language: English
Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7128199646