A systematic approach to identifying, cataloging, and mobilizing existing community assets to support local development initiatives.
Asset-based community development (ABCD) focuses on building from existing strengths rather than addressing deficits, leading to more sustainable and community-owned solutions. Developed by John McKnight and John Kretzmann at Northwestern University.
Average 150+ unique assets identified per community of 5,000 residents
65% increase in inter-asset collaboration and resource sharing
40% increase in locally-led initiatives within 12 months
30% reduction in external dependency for community projects
50+ new community leaders identified and engaged per implementation
Comprehensive 120-page guide with survey instruments and analysis frameworks
Excel templates and database structures for cataloging community assets
Step-by-step facilitation guide with workshop agendas and activities
25 detailed case studies from diverse communities worldwide
Emerging from practitioner-informed methods — further validation may be needed.
Limitations
Rule ri-rec-v1 · best_practice/community-asset-mapping
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John P. Kretzmann & John L. McKnight
The canonical Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) guide — lessons from hundreds of U.S. neighborhoods on mobilizing local assets rather than deficit models.
Our Community Asset Mapping best practice is rooted in ABCD Institute methods. This is the book we would assign to any steward implementing asset-based work.
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