A movement to save Carbon Public Market was launched on June 27, 2026, at the Save Carbon Public Market Movement event. The initiative draws a stark analogy: just as it would be insane to burn down a house to kill termites, it is equally irrational to privatize a public market to address issues of dirt, chaos, and rats.
City officials bypass vendors in privatization deal
City officials, without consulting the vendors who operate in Carbon, entered into a joint venture agreement with a business enterprise. This agreement effectively privatizes Carbon, a public market, contradicting their oath to serve the common good. The modernization plan excludes thousands of small ambulant vendors from earning their livelihoods, favoring big business instead.
According to the speaker, German philosopher Immanuel Kant's principle that a human being should always be an end and never a means applies here. Vendors are being used as tools for the benefit of a few, which is morally wrong.
Impact on affordability and community
Without Carbon as a public market, food and basic necessities will become unaffordable for those who cannot pay mall prices. There are reports that Megawide plans to send large trucks to the mountains to buy all produce and sell it at Carbon, which would eliminate small vendors and affordable food options.
The movement calls for a win-win solution, but insists that Megawide and the City must negotiate directly with Carbon vendors. Although a temporary restraining order was denied, vendors can still win the main case against privatization. They also have the option to file criminal charges against both the City and Megawide.
Vendors urged to unite against privatization
The speaker warns that vendors, buyers, and the community must oppose the project with steely determination. Megawide stands to lose significant investment if the project is opposed. The scorpion and frog fable illustrates that city officials, despite being elected with vendor votes, cannot be trusted—they will bite by nature. Only united opposition can save Carbon as a public market.
