Community Ownership

Increase community ownership to create stronger, fairer communities and economies 

Ownership matters because it determines who benefits, who has influence, and where wealth and value flow over time.

This session explores how communities can increase ownership of important assets such as land, buildings, businesses, housing, infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

When communities own assets, they can generate income, create local opportunities, retain wealth, and have greater influence over their future. Ownership helps communities move from being passive recipients of decisions to active participants in shaping local outcomes.

In this session, we'll explore practical pathways for increasing community ownership and examine real-world examples from Australia and beyond. This includes community-owned enterprises, shared facilities, housing initiatives, renewable energy projects and other place-based ownership models.

The insights from this session are relevant across a wide range of opportunities — from saving key local assets and businesses to acquiring land and buildings, co-investing in infrastructure, partnering on renewable energy projects, and building community enterprises.

Communities learn practical pathways to acquire and steward assets locally; enablers learn how to design supportive policies, frameworks and partnerships that make community ownership possible and sustainable.

What will you learn?

In this session, you will:

• Understand what “owning” means within a Community Capital system — and why it is critical to building stronger, fairer communities and economies. 

• Explore ownership models and pathways: From land and buildings to local enterprises and infrastructure—understand the different ways to structure and share ownership.

• Discover the conditions and capabilities that strengthen readiness for community ownership.

• Explore real-world examples of communities and collaborators successfully acquiring and owning capital.

• Begin applying ownership strategies in your own context — whether at a local, organisational or systems level.

By the end of this session, you will have a practical framework to explore community asset ownership opportunities in your place or portfolio — strengthening local control, resilience and long-term shared prosperity.

Who should participate?

This session is relevant for anyone interested in building community asset ownership — whether at the place level, in collaborative roles, or shaping systems and strategy, such as:

• Community organisations, local leaders and practitioners

• Councils and regional development agencies

• Social impact, place-based collaboratives and intermediaries

• Philanthropic foundations and funders

• State and Federal Government agencies

• Corporations and industry partners

No prior experience is required.

How it works and what’s included

• Interactive online session facilitated by experienced practitioners

• Session combines practical frameworks, case studies and applied activities so you leave with insights you can use immediately

• Small-group learning — participant numbers are limited to keep sessions interactive

• Access to the national Community Capital Network for ongoing connection and exchange

Pricing and Delivery

Complimentary Registration

We are currently offering this session free of charge to make Community Capital learning accessible to as many people as possible.

Places are limited to support meaningful participation, interaction and discussion. Early registration is recommended.

Session Delivery

We intend to deliver all advertised sessions; however, delivery is subject to facilitator availability and capacity. While we will make every effort to proceed as planned, there may be occasions where sessions are rescheduled, modified or unable to proceed. If this occurs, registered participants will be notified and offered access to any future equivalent sessions.

About your host

This series is hosted by the Centre for Community Capital.
For more information: contact@centreforcommunitycapital.org

About the Community Capital Learning Series

The Community Capital Learning Series is modular and structured around the essential functions of capital. These functions shape how our communities and economies operate. They influence how assets, resources and relationships are created, accessed, owned, governed and exchanged — and how value and benefits flow over time.

Each module explores one core function in depth, combining foundational understanding with practical application. If you are also interested in other areas visit: https://www.centreforcommunitycapital.org/