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ABCDE INITIATIVE

Asset Based Community Development & Economy

About the Initiative

Asset-Based Community Development & Economy (ABCDE) is a community-led approach to sustainable growth that focuses on the strengths already within a community. Rather than starting with needs or gaps, ABCDE begins by recognizing the skills, relationships, knowledge, and local resources that already exist and using them as the foundation for positive change.

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ABCDE believes that communities thrive when residents are empowered to identify and mobilize their own assets. By working together, communities can respond to challenges, strengthen social connections, and create meaningful local economic development.

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When people collaborate, they are better equipped to address complex issues such as community well-being, equity, safety, and long-term sustainability. The power of ABCD lies in its focus on people, relationships, and shared leadership. It is rooted in hope and local capacity rather than dependency on outside systems or services.

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Why Asset-Based Community Development?

Traditional development models often focus on problems that need solving. ABCD takes a different approach by asking:

  • What strengths already exist in our community?

  • How can local resources support local solutions?

  • How do we build momentum so community initiatives continue to grow?

 

By focusing on everyday citizens’ gifts and community assets, ABCD puts decision-making back into the hands of residents. It encourages local ownership, stronger relationships, and sustainable momentum that can continue beyond individual projects or funding cycles.

ABCD & E in the Upper Bay of Fundy

A regional committee supporting an Asset-Based Community Development approach was formed as part of the Rural Upper Fundy Development Project, a community-first initiative bringing together businesses, governments, non-profit organizations, and citizens to create a shared vision for the Upper Bay of Fundy region.

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This initiative applied an ABCD model to regional destination and economic development planning by focusing on collaboration, integration, and community leadership.

The approach included:

  • Using local stories to build pride of place and celebrate success

  • Taking a local-first approach to economic development so that what benefits residents also strengthens tourism

  • Supporting “by us, for us” initiatives designed by community members rather than driven solely by outside consultants

  • Identifying measurable outcomes that demonstrate systems change, including stronger social capital, community knowledge, and experiential products and services

To explore the full partnership and project details, visit:

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