At DXC26, Atkinson Foundation and Social Capital Partners advanced the 2026 theme by convening a full-day roundtable with 40 leaders to explore a pressing question: How can we create more democratic and inclusive local economies?

The 2026 DemocracyXChange Summit focused on the theme Side by Side: Building an Economy that Serves Democracy. At the summit, Atkinson Foundation and Social Capital Partners advanced this theme by convening a full-day roundtable with 40 leaders to explore a pressing question: How can we create more democratic and inclusive local economies?

At a time of significant geopolitical and economic change that’s marked by rising inequality, there is growing recognition that existing economic systems are not working for most people, and an urgent need for change.

During the convening at DemocracyXChange, leaders from across civil society, government, philanthropy, social finance, academia, and community-based organizations shared what they are observing and implementing across different geographies to create more democratic local economies and keep wealth rooted in communities.

The report describes a democratic and inclusive economy as one in which:

• Ownership is broader and more rooted in place

• The workplace is more democratic

• Public dollars serve public goals

• Capital is accountable to place

• Land and housing are recognized as social, economic, and public health foundations

• Communities have real say

Despite the diversity of perspectives and approaches within the group, there was strong convergence around several shared areas of focus where collective effort could meaningfully shift outcomes, including:

1. Building possibilities with new narratives

2. Rewiring the flow of capital

3. Innovating through public policy

4. Strengthening intermediaries and civil society networks

5. Organizing and building people power

To learn more about these discussions and insights, we invite you to read the full report below:

What’s Next?

The goal of this roundtable was not to create a defined roadmap, but to learn from one another’s work, strengthen connections, and share ideas on how to build the foundations that empower communities to build wealth and exercise greater economic agency.

Now that you understand the urgency and shared ambition behind this work, whether you are already engaged in your local community or just beginning, we invite you to reflect on these themes and consider how you might contribute to building a more democratic and inclusive economy wherever you are.