Over the last year, in addition to funding and incubating experiments in community-determined social safety nets, CCI has also been examining another lever in our paradigm-shifting work–policy.
As champions of the movement for a new reality of work, we must navigate a complex policy landscape as we seek to reshape deeply entrenched norms and laws. To further our understanding of this policy landscape, we commissioned two policy scans in partnership with Freedman Consulting. The first scan and set of policy trackers focused on policies directly connected with R2iL’s goals, covering Portable/Universal Benefits, Income Supports, Community Ownership, and Artists, Tech & AI. The second scan and set of policy trackers drilled down on the policy area of community ownership to examine policies related to community-owned and governed infrastructure – what we call the building blocks of community self-determination.
It’s important to note that the scans are not exhaustive – they are meant to surface illustrative policy examples and paint a general picture of the landscape. The scans surfaced a fascinating patchwork of legislation that, between 2025 and 2026, has either been proposed or enacted.
Across both scans, the number of proposed but not enacted policies is itself interesting – it indicates that conversations about unprotected workers, community ownership, and self-determination are happening in legislative chambers, with more intensity in a subset of states. While policy change often feels unattainable in our current environment, these conversations are opportunities – to invite others to dream with us and then help to build a social safety net that truly works for everyone.
Explore our trackers below:
Portable and Universal Benefits
Income Supports
Community Ownership
Artists, Tech, and AI
Community Self-Determination