John P. Kretzmann

John P. Kretzmann was a social work scholar best known for developing Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). This approach focuses on identifying and harnessing the strengths, skills, and resources within a community, rather than just addressing its problems. By recognizing what communities already have and can do, ABCD helps residents and organizations work together to improve their neighborhoods, fostering sustainable growth and empowerment. Kretzmann’s work emphasizes collaboration, local knowledge, and existing assets as keys to effective community development and positive social change.