Legal Framework Project – Call for Contributions
Set to launch on October 6 at the ILO in Geneva, this CHI-ICA project aims to map housing cooperative legislation worldwide. Contributions are still welcome from experts in cooperative housing law. The study will support advocacy, reforms, and comparative analysis. Available in EN, FR, and ES. Contact: info@chi.coop.

Housing Coops in Open House Worldwide
For the first time, housing coops are featured in Open House festivals. OBOS Living Lab in Oslo, a CHI member initiative, is testing future-proof housing solutions with resident input. The site will be open to the public during Oslo’s Open House, April 25–27.

Cooperatives Driving Sustainability
Coops worldwide are integrating energy efficiency, renewables, and sustainable materials. Visit CHI’s Sustainability page for real-world examples and best practices.

Catalonia’s Right-of-Use Model
Sostre Cívic is expanding community-owned, permanently affordable housing in Catalonia. Their model bypasses the speculative market and shapes policy for legal recognition across Spain.

#IYC25: Share Your Story
Got an innovative design, project, or story? Submit creative content for #IYC25. Open to members, students, architects, and more. Complete this form to enter your story. The form is also available in Spanish and French.

Canada Funds First Projects Under $1.5B Co-op Housing Program
Eight new coops (837 homes) will be funded through Canada’s new federal CHDP initiative, with $423M allocated. The first three projects will build 206 units with $81M in funding.

Dutch Housing Co-op Bill Moves Forward
The Housing Cooperatives Promotion Act (WBW), supported by Cooplink and SP, aims to remove legal and financial barriers in the Netherlands. A dedicated coop fund and legal definition are in the works.

20 Years of the Agency for Co-operative Housing
Canada’s Agency marks two decades of supporting coops in four provinces through performance tracking, risk management, and tailored support.

Coop Conversations Podcast
Jean-Pierre Girard shares insights from senior and multigenerational housing coops in Italy and Switzerland. Available on major podcast platforms and YouTube.

Upcoming Events

• ICA-EC Partnership Chat – April 17 at 13:00 CEST. Discussion with Marc Noël on future ICA initiatives.

• ICA Meet & Greet for Governments – May 7 at 13:00 CEST. Info session for public sector actors.

• International Social Housing Festival (ISHF) – June 4–6 in Dublin, Ireland. A major global gathering to shape the future of social housing.

Read the full newsletter here.