Asset-Based Approach to Community Development and Capacity Building

This report consists of five parts. Part one traces the origins of the debates surrounding conventional and alternative approaches to community development, against the broader backdrops of ‘need vs. asset’ and ‘people vs. place’ distinctions. Part two outlines the distinct perspectives of these two schools of thought on community development. Part three explores the barriers to asset-based approaches to community development.

Part four examines two case studies in Boston, USA, which illustrate the application of an asset-based approach to community development and housing development. Part five discusses the conclusion and lessons learned.