Asset-Based Community Development is an approach that considers local assets to be the primary building blocks for developing strong, sustainable communities. Drawing on the skills of local residents, the power of local associations, and the supportive functions of local institutions, asset-based community development identifies and mobilizes existing community strengths to build stronger communities for the future.
Asset Mapping is an important activity in asset-based community development which emphasizes identifying community strengths rather than needs. A Capacity Inventory tool is one of the primary ways that communities can begin to identify and map their strengths and assets. This resource provides a how-to for using the capacity inventory for mapping community assets.