This collection of eleven cases from Canada and the United States gives expression to the ideal of a new economy based on fairness and environmental sustainability. Grappling with complex problems in their local communities organized citizens are forging innovation prying open cracks in the prevailing economic system and seizing opportunities to redirect economic life. Featured here are examples in urban and rural contexts and ethnically diverse settings First Nations Inuit Latino African American predominantly white and mixed communities where citizens are challenging the shortterm focus of political leadership and taking action now to pave the way for an economy that can sustain future generations.