See recent email updates below. If you’d like to get on our email list, head over to the pledge page so you are always kept informed.
June 2025 Update
June 1, 2025
Hello,
Thank you for pledging to be a Moscow Community Investment Cooperative (MCIC) owner! Your commitment is essential to advance our grassroots initiative to form the nation’s first real estate investment co-op in a rural community – by working together democratically, we will create living, work, and social spaces and places to support our welcoming and inclusive community here in Moscow.
Where We Are Now
During our initial organizing meeting last August, we formed a Steering Committee which has been hard at work over the months since. With guidance from cooperative development specialists at Mission West Community Development Partners, we’ve completed key foundational steps, including:
- Writing Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to define our legal structure
- Creating a business plan with financial benchmarks and a capitalization strategy
- Designing outreach tools, including our website, brochures, and pledge forms
- Hosting information sessions to introduce our co-op to the community
- Launching a pledge campaign that has already resulted in over 300 pledges
Your Board of Directors
Last month, we transitioned leadership from the Steering Committee to a Board of Directors to guide the cooperative going forward. Our Board members are: Aly Bean, Ben Calabretta, JT Manning, Bev Rhoades, Philip Shinn, and Patrick Vaughan – this group brings a wealth of experience in commercial real estate, property management, financial oversight, public service, and community organizing. MCIC will continue receiving support from advisors who have been instrumental in shaping our early efforts, including:
- Erin Tomlin, Owner & Attorney at Tomlin Law
- Charlie Michel, Cooperative Development Director at Mission West
- Melinda Schab, General Manager of the Moscow Food Co-op
- Lorie Higgins, Community Development Specialist at the University of Idaho
What’s Coming Next
As we prepare to launch the business, our Board is developing a plan to manage assets and operations while engaging our members in the life and leadership of the co-op. You’ll hear from us when we’re ready to begin accepting investments and as new opportunities emerge to get involved.
If your partner or buddy hasn’t pledged yet – please remind them to pledge also – here. We’re honored to have you involved as we build a community-based business that belongs to the people of Moscow.
With gratitude,
The MCIC Board of DirectorsQuestions? moscowcommunityinvestment@gmail.com
