would be interested how this works out. I was working with people this way but it turned out people don't do logical decisions, they decide basic on assumptions which may not be true. somebody with a charismatic personally was always better to sell ideas and decision was not based on evidence.
> our bylaws are based on the US Constitution
What does this actually mean? (Could you link the bylaws?)
I find co-ops fascinating and wish you every success. And that the idea might percolate wider.
I am curious what software do you use. Is it open-source? Is it open to collaboration? Is it possible to reuse it in other co-operatives?
What part of the U.S. are you operating in?
> our bylaws are based on the US Constitution
The same constitution that consistently puts a the party that gets fewer votes into power? If I were to every start a business, that's the last place I'd look for inspiration.
All profits go into the neighborhoods we serve and our bylaws are based on the US Constitution. No investors or different class shares. Management term limits, workers vote for CEO and a cooperative ombudsman (termed) for representation during yearly plan/budget proposal.
The CEO proposes a yearly plan/budget to the collective of ombudsman representatives, which vote to approve or amend. The yearly plan includes all P&L numbers for previous years, open balance sheet, salaries, as well as hiring, growth, acquisition plans for the following year(s)
I'm leaving out a lot of details of course, but the overall gist is that: incentives are aligned across the co-op such that management is incentivized to care for their employees above all, and there is no pressure from investors to grow more quickly than our company can sustain. Basically will not pursue increased margins at any cost.
We will provide the best service at a price that ensures we can fully take care of our employees such that they have a great life and can provide amazing service because they have the time, and trust to care about how we serve each other and our residential communities everyday.