Citizens Intent on Reforming Corporate Accountability (CIRCA)

As of July, 2007 over 100 communities in Pennsylvania have passed ordinances abolishing corporate personhood in their communities. As the article from the New York Sun points out, they are supported by the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF).

In December, 2006 the San Diego City Council voted to prohibit supercenters—stores that are larger than 90,000 square feet and devote more than 10 percent of their floor area to groceries. San Diego article at the New Rules Web site.

In November, 2006 the City Council in Portland, Maine, adopted an ordinance that restricts the establishment of some formula retail stores and restaurants in the downtown and adjacent commercial areas. Portland article at the New Rules Web site.

In July, 2006 the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance requiring large retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. to provide a minimum living wage and a minimum benefits package. Chicago minimum wage article at the New Rules Web site. In October, 2006, they are also considering an ordinance that would let neighborhoods ban formula businesses. Article including a definition of formula businesses.

In July, 2006 the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that economic development was not a sufficient reason for a city to use eminent domain to seize homes in order for a corporation to develop the land.

Humboldt County, CA passed a ballot initiative in June, 2006 to prohibit out-of-county corporations from contributing to any Humboldt Count campaigns and to prohibit corporations from claiming constitutional rights and protections.  You can see more information, including the ordinance at www.VoteLocalControl.org. You can also read the Press Release for the Ordinance.

In April, 2006 the Ravalli County, Montana County Commission adopted an ordinance to limit stores to 60,000 square feet. Ravalli ordinance article.

In April, 2006 a California appeals court upheld an ordinance that prohibits the construction of supercenters, defined as stores larger than 100,000 square feet that devote more than 5 percent of their sales to groceries. Wal-Mart had challenged the ordinance. California court article at the New Rules Web site.

In March, 2006 the Vermont Senate passed a bill to require an economic and community impact analysis for any proposed retail store over 75,000 square feet, about half the size of a typical Home Depot or Target store. Vermont article at the New Rules Web site.

In March, 2006 voters in Damariscotta, Maine approved a ballot initiative to bar stores over 35,000 square feet (about the size of a medium grocery store). Damariscotta article at the New Rules Web site.

In December, 2005, voters in Frisco, Colorado defeated a plan to build a Home Depot superstore. Frisco article on the New Rules Web site.

In November, 2005, voters in Ogunquit, Maine approved a measure that bans formula restaurants. Ogunquit article on the New Rules Web site.

In November, 2005, the City Council of Santa Maria, California, voted unanimously to deny Wal-Mart's request to rezone land for a supercenter. Santa Maria article.

On November 2, 2005, the Community Environmental Defense Fund (CELDF) issued this press release about a ruling by a judge in Pennsylvania upholding an anti-corporate farming law in Fulton County, PA. On May 6, 2005, CELDF issued this press release about a ruling by a judge upholding the constitutional rights of a corporation.

On October 10, 2005, the City Council in Port Townsend, WA, approved an ordinance to restrict the proliferation of formula retail stores and restaurants. Port Townsend ordinance info, including a link to the text of the ordinance.

On May 19, 2004, the City Council of Arcata, CA passed a resolution declaring Corporate Personhood illegitimate and undemocratic. The resolution calls for town hall meetings to develop legislation that would prohibit corporations from using Corporate Personhood to challenge Arcata laws that restrict corporations. Arcata resolution information.

On June 19, 2003, State Legislator Matt Ahearn introduced into the New Jersey State Legislature a bill that states that a corporation may not be defined as a natural person. New Jersey bill text.

On April 25, 2000 the City Council of Point Arena, CA passed by a vote of 4 to 1 a resolution that rejects the concept of corporate personhood. Point Arena resolution text.

The text of an ordinance used by townships in Pennsylvania to eliminate Corporate Personhood is here. The townships have passed these ordinances to stop corporations from dumping toxic sludge in their communities.