Welcome to ABCD

The Asset-Based Community Development Institute (ABCD) is at the center of a large and growing movement that considers local assets as the primary building blocks of sustainable community development. Building on the skills of local residents, the power of local associations, and the supportive functions of local institutions, asset-based community development draws upon existing community strengths to build stronger, more sustainable communities for the future.

We invite you to learn about the institute and its work in the university and community context. Please also visit our staff and faculty pages, and become acquainted with our many community partners. We hope you will join us in building strong communities.

Visit our Events Page to Learn about Upcoming ABCD Learning Opportunities
 ABCD In Action:
Join our online community of practice! Participate in discussions, share ideas, and learn from others implementing ABCD in their communities.  Click here to join today, then click 'Sign Up' on the right hand side.

ABCD Community Story:
The Mercado Central is a retail business cooperative that was developed by the Latino immigrant community in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mercado Central (Cooperative Mercado Central) is the result of the creativity and hard work of members of this community, who joined forces with a faith-based organizing group and numerous community organizations to build a traditional marketplace in their inner-city neighborhood. Currently home to 44 businesses, the Mercado Central has transformed the lives of people in this community by recognizing their capacity to build their own local economy in a manner that reflected their traditions.

Click here to learn more about Mercado Central

Do you have a story of ABCD applied in your community?  If you'd like to share, email abcd@abcdinstitute.org
Follow Co-Founder John McKnight's Blog
ABCD Institute founder and co-director John McKnight is blogging!  Please visit www.abundantcommunity.com to read his latest posts and learn more about his new publication, The Abundant Community, co-written with Peter Block.



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