Implementation Phases
CDMM implementation follows a phased approach. Each phase builds on the last, allowing municipalities to develop capacity incrementally rather than attempting large-scale transformation all at once.
Assessment & Feasibility
The first phase focuses on understanding the municipality's current position: existing assets, spending patterns, essential-service gaps, land inventory, and community priorities. Feasibility studies identify which enterprises are most viable given local conditions. Community consultation shapes the development agenda.
Key Outputs
- Municipal asset and land inventory
- Essential-service spending analysis
- Enterprise feasibility studies
- Community consultation and priority-setting
- CDMM implementation roadmap
Pilot Enterprise Launch
The municipality launches its first enterprise — typically in the sector with the strongest feasibility case and greatest community need. Early operations focus on service delivery, employment, and demonstrating the model's viability. Initial returns are modest; the priority is building operational capacity.
Key Outputs
- First municipal enterprise operational
- Local employment created
- Initial spending retention demonstrated
- Operational systems and governance established
- Community feedback integrated
Portfolio Expansion
As the pilot enterprise matures, returns are reinvested into expanding the portfolio. Additional enterprises are launched in complementary sectors. Housing programs begin. Inter-municipal purchasing networks are established. The economic cycle begins to compound.
Key Outputs
- Multiple enterprises operational
- Housing program delivery underway
- Inter-municipal purchasing networks active
- Measurable local wealth retention
- Reinvestment cycle established
Structural Resilience
Mature CDMM municipalities demonstrate sustained local wealth retention, diversified municipal revenue, reduced essential-cost burden for residents, and expanded housing stock. The municipality has genuine fiscal autonomy and the institutional capacity to pursue increasingly ambitious community development goals.
Key Outputs
- Sustained local wealth retention
- Diversified municipal revenue streams
- Reduced essential-cost burden for residents
- Expanded permanent housing stock
- Genuine municipal fiscal autonomy
Governance & Accountability
Municipal enterprises under CDMM operate within a governance framework designed to ensure accountability to the community, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
Municipal Oversight
Enterprises are owned by the municipality and accountable to elected council. Major decisions — pricing, expansion, reinvestment — require council approval. Regular public reporting ensures community visibility into enterprise performance.
Operational Independence
Day-to-day operations are managed by professional staff with appropriate expertise. Governance structures separate strategic oversight from operational management, enabling enterprises to function effectively without political interference in routine decisions.
Community Participation
CDMM emphasizes meaningful community participation in enterprise design and development priorities. Community input shapes which services are developed, how they are priced, and how returns are reinvested.
Financial Transparency
Enterprise finances are publicly reported. Residents can see how enterprises are performing, how returns are being used, and how the municipal asset base is growing. Transparency builds the community trust that sustains the model over time.
See CDMM in practice
Explore sector applications, housing programs, and economic scenarios.