Community Discussion About the Importance of Public Banking

The people’s money for the people’s needs!

Join Us on July 2
“Banking Independence Day: 2025” 

A community discussion about the importance of public banking and locally owned and controlled financial systems that advance clean energy, affordable housing, and small business development.

Come break bread with us, learn about public and community banking, and connect with like-minded folks. Substantial finger foods will be served. This event is free.

WHO:

Oscar Perry Abello, economic justice correspondent for Next City and author of the new book The Banks We Deserve: Reclaiming Community Banking for a Just Economy

Henry “Hank” Levy, Alameda County Treasurer

Claudia Jimenez, Richmond City Councilmember

Other local community leaders to be announced

Sponsored by Public Bank East Bay and Island Press

WHEN:

July 2, 2025
5:30p – 8:30p

WHERE:

CoBiz
1503 Macdonald Avenue
Richmond, CA

WHY:

Banking Independence Day 2025 invites you into a vital and timely conversation.

Deep budget cuts, financial instability, and political volatility are threatening the health, safety, and economic well-being of our communities. This current moment demonstrates in the starkest of ways the importance of strong and resilient local financial systems.

Journalist and author Oscar Perry Abello (whose new book The Banks We Deserve traces the history and potential of local, inclusive banking) will speak about the book, after which Alameda County Treasurer Hank Levy and Richmond City Councilmember Claudia Jimenez will join local community experts on the intersection between banking and their work to explore how public banks can democratize capital, create affordable housing, support small businesses, and advance clean energy initiatives. 

Friends of the Public Bank East Bay (PBEB) is a grassroots-led initiative to create California’s first public bank and is part of a growing national movement for locally owned, mission-driven finance that puts community needs ahead of private profits. It is endorsed by more than 25 local elected officials and more than 70 local nonprofits, unions, grassroots organizations, and political groups including the City of Richmond, East Bay Housing Organizations, Alameda Labor Council, Local Clean Energy Alliance, and Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club.

About Public Bank East Bay (PBEB)

PBEB will be a pioneering institution dedicated to using public money to lend locally for community-wide needs that align with community values. We will begin by specializing in affordable housing, green energy infrastructure and small business growth with a focus on BIPOC-owned small business.

As a nonprofit wholesale bank, we will partner with cities and counties, as well as foundations, unions, and nonprofits. We will loan public money in cooperation with partner financial institutions using their own funds for East Bay projects.

How to Contact Us