17 Community Development Models

These community development models address a range of needs, from individual well-being to systemic change. Each offers a unique framework for building strong, inclusive, and sustainable communities, and many can be integrated into or aligned with Community Mountain’s Seven Towers of Community to broaden their application.

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1. Seven Towers of Community

This model is based on seven interconnected “living” towers essential for holistic community development:

• Fellowship – Social connections, relationships, and community-building.
• Education – Schools, learning opportunities, and lifelong learning.
• Workforce and Economic Development – Employment, job training, and economic growth.
• Healthcare – Access to physical and mental health services.
• Arts and Culture – Promotion of creative arts, humanities, and cultural engagement.
• Sports and Recreation – Physical activities, sports, and recreational opportunities.
• Governance and Civic Engagement – Local government involvement, leadership, and community participation.

2. Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)

• Focuses on identifying and leveraging the existing strengths (assets) of a community.
• Assets include individuals’ skills, local institutions, and resources.
• Emphasizes grassroots, community-driven solutions rather than external interventions.

3. Collective Impact Model

• Structured approach for cross-sector collaboration to solve complex social problems.
• Focuses on five key conditions: common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and backbone support.
• Involves stakeholders from various sectors working together toward a shared vision.

4. Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF)

• Originated from rural development but has been adapted to broader applications.
• Centers on five types of capital or assets: human, social, natural, physical, and financial.
• Focuses on reducing vulnerability and enhancing long-term resilience and sustainability.

5. The Ecological Model of Community Development

• Views communities as ecosystems with interconnected social, economic, and environmental factors.
• Encourages development that integrates economic growth with ecological sustainability and social equity.
• Based on systems thinking and the idea of balance between community needs and environmental impact.

6. Whole Systems Approach to Community Development

• Integrates multiple aspects of life such as economics, housing, transportation, education, and healthcare in a holistic manner.
• Encourages interconnected solutions that consider the entire community’s well-being.
• Popular among urban planning initiatives that focus on smart growth, sustainability, and inclusive development.

7. Social Capital Model

• Focuses on the importance of relationships, networks, and trust within a community.
• Social capital is viewed as a key resource that enhances cooperation, reduces social isolation, and improves community resilience.
• Strong emphasis on building connections between individuals, groups, and organizations.

8. Community Capitals Framework (CCF)

• Identifies seven types of capitals: natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial, and built.
• Stresses that communities must balance and invest in these different forms of capital for sustained growth and development.
• Often used in rural development but adaptable to urban settings.

9. The Healthy Communities Model

• Focuses on promoting health and well-being across physical, mental, and social dimensions.
• Includes public health initiatives, clean environments, healthy food access, and opportunities for physical activity.
• Emphasizes health equity and the reduction of health disparities.

10. Empowerment and Participatory Development Models

• Emphasizes community participation, allowing residents to have a voice in decision-making processes.
• Views communities not as passive recipients but as active agents in their development.
• Key focus on local knowledge, power-sharing, and building capacity within communities.

11. Inclusive Cities Framework

• Promotes urban development that prioritizes inclusion, equity, and accessibility for all residents, including marginalized groups.
• Focuses on affordable housing, accessible transportation, employment opportunities, and public spaces.
• Aims to create cities where all residents have the opportunity to thrive.

12. Smart Cities Model

• Technology-driven model focusing on the use of data, digital platforms, and technology to enhance the efficiency of urban infrastructure and services.
• Emphasizes sustainability, efficiency, and enhanced quality of life.
• Includes smart transportation, smart energy, e-governance, and citizen engagement via digital platforms.

13. Community Resilience Model

• Focuses on enhancing a community's ability to respond to and recover from crises or disruptions, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or social challenges.
• Builds long-term capacity to adapt, respond, and recover quickly while minimizing vulnerability.

14. Place-Based Community Development

• Centers on developing specific geographic areas or neighborhoods, addressing localized needs.
• Focuses on creating strong local economies, improving physical infrastructure, and fostering a sense of place and belonging.
• Often employed in urban revitalization projects.

15. Livable Cities Model

• Envisions cities where all residents enjoy a high quality of life.
• Key factors include access to green spaces, pedestrian-friendly environments, diverse housing options, and social inclusivity.
• Ties closely with sustainability, health, and equity initiatives.

16. Human Development Model

• Rooted in Amartya Sen's capabilities approach, it focuses on expanding people’s freedoms and opportunities to live the lives they value.
• Development is measured by human well-being, not just economic growth.
• Emphasizes education, health, empowerment, and human rights.

17. Social Entrepreneurship Model

• Combines social impact with business strategies to create sustainable solutions to community challenges.
• Focuses on innovation, financial sustainability, and scalability of social impact.
• Encourages for-profit ventures that deliver public good or solve societal issues.

We will explore the synergies between these Community Mountain’s Seven Towers of Community in our next article.