About ESCIC
The East Side Community Investment Cooperative (ESCIC) was founded by neighbors who believe that our community deserves a say in what gets built—and who it’s built for. We exist to reclaim local control over development by securing sites for community use, preventing displacement, and promoting equitable growth rooted in collective ownership. In a time when outside investors often shape the future of our neighborhoods without our input, ESCIC offers a restorative alternative: one where decisions are made democratically, resources are shared responsibly, and benefits are returned to the people who live and work here. Our efforts prioritize anti-displacement, affordability, neighborhood self-determination, and long-term stewardship of the land. We move at the pace of community, not capital, and we envision a future shaped by collaboration, sustainability, and deep-rooted care for both people and place.
ESCIC's Core Values
1. Voluntary & Inclusive Membership
We welcome neighbors from all walks of life—whether you live, work, or own property in East St. Paul. Membership is open to anyone ready to join our shared mission of community-led investment and equitable growth.
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2. Democratic Member Control
Every member of ESCIC has an equal voice—one member, one vote—when deciding our priorities, electing leaders, or shaping policies. Elected representatives are accountable to the membership and operate with full transparency.
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3. Member Economic Participation
Members collectively invest in ESCIC's work—not for personal profit, but to build assets that benefit all. Surpluses are reinvested into local projects: maintaining reserves, supporting tenant-owned business ventures, lowering barrier to entry, or reinvesting back into the community.
​4. Autonomy & Local Ownership
ESCIC is self-governed by East St. Paul residents. If we partner with outside funding sources—or pursue grants or loans—it’s on terms that protect our neighborhood’s democratic control and cooperative independence.
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5. Education, Connection & Empowerment
We dedicate time and resources to building capacity: hosting community workshops, providing training for our board and tenants, and engaging local schools and leaders—so everyone understands the power and potential of cooperative land stewardship.
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6. Collaboration with Other Co-ops
We connect with sister co-ops and community land trusts in the Twin Cities, across Minnesota, and beyond—sharing strategies, pooling resources, and strengthening the cooperative movement together.
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7. Commitment to Community Well‑Being
Our work is guided by what East St. Paul needs now—and what it should be. We champion affordable housing, preserve spaces for local businesses and nonprofits, support equitable development, and safeguard our neighborhood’s future—always grounded in resident-approved priorities.