American Sustainable Business Institute (ASBI) amplifies the collective voice of sustainable business to lead the way to a regenerative economy that is stakeholder-driven, just, and prosperous. As a multi-issue, membership organization advocating on behalf of every business sector, size, and geography, ASBI’s mission is to inform, connect, and mobilize sustainable business leaders. ASBI members collectively represent thousands of businesses across the United States.

This case study will explore the systems, strategies, and cultural foundations that Tribal Nations are using to address climate change and prevent the displacement of Indigenous small businesses. Drawing on a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of the Interior, long-standing relationships with Native Nations, and cross-sector networks, ASBI will conduct a systems-level scan across the 12 unified Interior Department regions, which are organized by watershed. This regional approach will allow us to understand the unique and shared elements of climate resilience across diverse geographies and governance structures.

Calle Loíza in Santurce, Puerto Rico, is a vibrant commercial corridor increasingly shaped by climate gentrification and speculative reinvestment. In this context, Taller Comunidad La Goyco—housed in a repurposed public school reclaimed by residents in 2015—serves as a grassroots-led resilience hub focused on anti-displacement. Located in a flood-prone coastal zone, La Goyco supports the neighborhood’s immigrant and older adult population through mutual aid, cultural programming, and economic inclusion. 

Since Hurricane Maria, recurring infrastructure failures like power and water outages have threatened residents’ ability to remain in place. In response, La Goyco operates as a gathering point during outages and promotes long-term sustainability by offering affordable rental spaces to small businesses and entrepreneurs. It also hosts monthly open-air fairs, free classes, a food garden, a pantry, a rotating clinic, and other quality-of-life programs. The center’s model of collective governance and adaptive reuse of public infrastructure offers a replicable approach to placekeeping in historically marginalized communities.

This case study highlights how La Goyco combines physical infrastructure, inclusive programming, and solidarity-based decision-making to create a resilient, community-anchored alternative to displacement that preserves cultural identity and supports economic opportunity.

Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) builds community power and leadership for economic justice. Since 1996, SAJE has stood with neighbors in South Central Los Angeles and beyond, fighting for tenant rights, healthy housing, and a city that prioritizes people over profit. Through public policy advocacy, know-your-rights workshops, self-help clinics, and popular education programs, SAJE equips communities to lead the charge for justice, ensuring their voices are heard in city and county government.

This case study examines how climate investments are accelerating the displacement of small businesses in South Central Los Angeles. Over the past few years, these investments have brought necessary and beneficial bike lanes, expanded green space, heat-resistant pavement, solar panels for property owners, and transit-oriented development to the area. Unfortunately, they have also intensified displacement pressures on commercial tenants, who account for the majority of small business owners. As a result, the area is seeing a precipitous rise in rents, evictions, and landlord harassment aimed at freeing up storefronts for commercial tenants who can pay more, forcing many longstanding businesses to close. The case study will include recommendations for a Commercial Tenant Bill of Rights to prevent climate gentrification and protect small businesses.