A NEW GROWTH THREAT

A new wave of federal policies—fast-tracked by the Administration and Congress—is threatening the ecosystems that sustain us. For the sake of growth at all costs, precious lands, clean water, wildlife habitats, and climate protections are being sacrificed. We know that perpetual growth isn’t progress; it’s a path to collapse. When ecosystems unravel, so do the communities and economies that depend on them.

OUR COUNTIES ARE KEY

The frontlines of this fight aren't only in Washington—they're in our backyards, our communities, and our counties. That’s why CASSE launched Keep Our Counties Great (KOCG), a pioneering strategy to help counties rewrite their growth narrative and improve community resilience. By working at the county level, we can mitigate the damage caused by federal policies and corporate exploitation and protect key ecosystems for the long term.

In essence, counties can keep their greatness by halting the GDP bulldozer at the county line.

We have been piloting projects with seven counties in the throes of economic growth and planning conflicts. We are helping counties create and revise their county comprehensive plans for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and social wellbeing by lessening the bads wrought by the push for perpetual GDP growth.

OUR BOLD NEW PLAN TO PROTECT THE FUTURE

We want to rapidly replicate the success we have had thus far. We plan to expand the campaign to protect as many critical areas as possible. We will do this by:

Identifying and reaching out to counties that are highly motivated to protect their resources and are facing intense growth pressures. We will select for counties that serve functions like: threatened species habitat, climate sinks, water resources for humans and wildlife, and food security.
Developing a County Comprehensive Plan Guidebook and Template to be used by any county.
Initiating a peer learning cohort to reach as many counties as possible.
Identifying and sharing best practices to advocate for steady-state goals at the county level.
Selecting local leaders to support the program as mentors for nearby counties.

SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGN

We’re seeking 10–20 visionary donors to invest $5,000–$10,000 in this urgent expansion. Our goal: Raise $100,000 to scale the movement from pilot to prominent. If you’re able to contribute through stocks, crypto, Donor-Advised Funds, or retirement distributions, your support can help save what money can’t replace.

The pressures of GDP growth are mounting; now is the right time to donate. Most grantmakers are tied to the very growth models we oppose. That’s why we rely on individuals like you—people who care deeply.

Let’s build a future where life, not economic growth, thrives.

Let’s keep our counties—and our country—great for generations to come.

Thank you for standing with us.

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CASSE is an organization that explores economic growth in earnest, including its downsides. We refuse to ignore the costs of economic growth, and our position sets the record straight. We recognize the conflict between economic growth and various goals for society, and we stand up for rational macroeconomic policies. We confront the truth that there are limits to growth, and we examine other possibilities for managing our economic affairs.

KEEP Our Counties Great Takes on the GDP Bulldozer

By Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy

KEEP Our Counties Great Takes on the GDP Bulldozer

We need your help with CASSE’s KEEP Our Counties Great campaign.