Description and History

The commons are collective resources managed by self-organized social systems under mutually acceptable terms. These resources can be natural or created, managed in a way that preserves shared values and community identity. The practice of collective economic production and social cooperation used to steward these resources—as well as the values of equity and fairness that underpin them—is often referred to as commoning. Many resources can be managed as commons, including knowledge, urban spaces, land, blood banks, seed banks, the internet, open-source software, and much more.

The concept of the commons has deep historical roots and has evolved significantly over time. Traditionally, the commons referred to shared resources managed collectively by a community, including land, forests, fisheries, and pastures. In medieval Europe, the commons were integral to the survival and economic stability of rural communities, providing a space where villagers could graze livestock, collect firewood, and grow crops (Smithsonian Magazine).

In the United States, the idea of the commons was central to early American towns. These commons were undivided pieces of land jointly owned by all residents, used for various community activities such as grazing cattle, burying the dead, and holding town meetings. The town green or common reflected the community’s shared governance and decision-making processes (Smithsonian Magazine).

In the modern era, the concept of the commons has expanded to include digital and intellectual commons, such as open-source software and knowledge repositories like Wikipedia. These contemporary examples continue to embody principles of shared management and equitable access, challenging dominant paradigms of private ownership and state control (Smithsonian Magazine).

Furthermore, as climate change has become a global issue, the concept of global commons—such as the ozone layer, oceans, and atmosphere—has grown in importance. These are resources that require collective global management, emphasizing the need for cooperative action across borders to protect them for future generations (Global Commons Alliance).

Commons, Just Use of Land and Property, and Community Wealth Building Wedge

Commons play a crucial role in Community Wealth Building (CWB) by ensuring the equitable and sustainable use of land and resources, while modeling collective governance and stewardship. By maintaining collective control over resources, commons prevent privatization and exploitation that often lead to displacement and economic inequality. This approach aligns with CWB, which emphasizes shared prosperity and democratic control over local assets.

In the context of land and property, commoning can decommodify resources, ensuring they serve the needs of the community rather than succumbing to market forces. This is especially relevant in urban areas, where the pressure of real estate development can displace long-term residents. By treating land and property as commons, communities can safeguard these assets for future generations, ensuring accessibility and benefit for all.

Community Land Trusts (CLTs), for instance, embody the principles of commoning by retaining land ownership within the community. This model prevents land speculation and ensures long-term affordability, helping lower-income families build wealth. It also reinvests public subsidies to maintain affordable housing. The democratic governance of CLTs further aligns with the values of the commons, giving residents a direct say in how land and property are used.

An emerging model worth mentioning is Public Commons Partnerships (PCPs), which go beyond housing and involve collaboration between communities and public entities. PCPs allow for joint ownership of public resources (e.g., parks, community centers, urban farms) and are structured to provide sustainable and inclusive benefits (In-Abundance).

Examples

• Wikipedia: An online knowledge commons, Wikipedia is a multilingual, web-based, free-content encyclopedia project supported by the Wikimedia Foundation. It contains over 5 million entries created and edited by a community of authors with community-determined guidelines. As one of the world’s largest reference websites, Wikipedia displaces once-expensive bound encyclopedias and engages over 140,000 active users in almost 300 languages, embodying the principles of open collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

• City Repair: City Repair is a grassroots organization in Portland, Oregon, that empowers communities to transform public spaces through collaborative placemaking. The organization focuses on creating ecologically sustainable and socially equitable urban environments. By engaging local residents, businesses, and community groups, City Repair helps neighborhoods design and build community-oriented spaces, such as murals, gardens, and pedestrian-friendly areas. Through projects like the annual Village Building Convergence, City Repair fosters community engagement and cultural expression, while promoting sustainability and inclusion. Their work aligns with the commons by treating urban spaces as shared resources, accessible and beneficial to all.

Challenges & Limitations

Many people are unaware of the pervasiveness and enduring nature of the commons and don’t understand commoning as a viable alternative to competitive, consumption-driven economics. Privatization and enclosure threaten the commons by erasing collective memory of these practices. For example, the global seed market—once managed as a commons—is now controlled by a few multinational corporations. Additionally, the scarcity of certain common resources may intensify competition for control, while others lack the necessary infrastructure and are thus vulnerable to privatization.

Taking it Forward

The commons are pervasive but often go unnoticed. Their existence alongside private and public ownership models provides a framework for creating social value beyond conventional economics. The rich traditions and successes of commoning provide models for pushing back against privatization and ensuring common resources are protected for future generations.

Creative strategies for integrating commoning into broader movements for change are emerging. One such approach involves taxing private use of common resources, with the proceeds being redistributed or used to establish commons trusts that ensure sustainable stewardship. This could also serve as a form of reparations to communities that have historically borne the brunt of resource extraction, helping restore those depleted resources.

Resources

• Podcasts and Videos discussing Commons and Commoning Practices

• News, analysis and resources on the commons