Just Economics of Western North Carolina (JE) is a regional, membership organization based in Asheville, NC. Our mission is to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable economy that works for all in Western North Carolina. JE was born out of the Asheville-Buncombe Living Wage Campaign, an effort that initially began in 2000, but took root in 2006. This coalition of faith, labor, a
nd community groups succeeded in passing the first living wage ordinance in our region, which guarantees Asheville City employees a living wage. To have a substantial impact, we needed to dig in for the long term, develop a stronger organizational base, and take the living wage campaign beyond the city workforce and into the private sector. In 2007, Just Economics became the organizational home for the Asheville-Buncombe Living Wage Campaign. We raised funds for an office and staff, and–with support from foundations, local organizations, and a growing membership–we are running an expanded living wage campaign and becoming an effective voice for economic sustainability and justice in our region. Together, our members are working to shape the economic development of Western North Carolina in a way that benefits everyone and promotes a sustainable future. We aim to have a membership that reflects the diversity of our community, with an intentional focus on leadership from low-wage workers and others most affected by the issues we work on.
