This book describes the evolution of the community development sector over the past 50 years, and it presents a framework and road map for how community development organizations can advance their mission through strategic partnerships that utilize their core competencies. The authors describe the current community development ecosystem, define a range of essential community development competencies, and demonstrate, through seven case studies, how using comparative advantages built on core competencies can improve outcomes for communities. By recognizing and leading with their competencies and strengths, organizations can bring their specialized areas of expertise to address complex and interconnected community challenges, and effectively meet their missions and objectives.

"The book's success stories can provide fresh thinking and motivation to a new generation of community development practitioners." (David P. Varady, Housing Studies, Vol. 34 (7), 2019)
"Navigating Community Development: Harnessing Comparative Advantages to Create Strategic Partnerships offers a road map for building strong and healthy communities in this era of escalating income and wealth inequality, declining public funding, and intensifying competition for development resources. ? Navigating is a valuable addition to the community development literature and a compelling invitation for more theory, guidance, and support for community development practice." (Laurie S. Goldman, Journal of Urban Affairs, 2015)