Figure out what our community needs
Ways to assess needs, set priorities, and make a plan people will support.
Before you rely on thisThese are older articles and answers, and laws and programs change and vary by place. For current rules, check with your local planning office.
Start with these
Visitor question
Best way to identify community needs quickly
Visitor Question: I am volunteering to help a local church reach out to its surrounding community and open its doors and 40,000 square feet of unused spaceVisitor question
Steps in a community diagnosis project
Visitor Question: What are the steps in starting a community diagnosis project? Our neighborhood group wants to start an assessment and diagnosis of conditionsVisitor question
Essential Steps in Strategic Planning for Communities
Visitor Question: What are the most important steps in a strategic planning process for a community? Is it necessary to do a SWOT analysis? Editors'Guide
SWOT Analysis Suggestions for Communities
SWOT analysis for communities helps them spot and decide what to do about their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. We show you how.Guide
Sound Community Planning Process Based on Six Steps
A community planning process includes data collection and analysis, generating alternatives, choosing a desired future, and writing an actionable plan.Guide
Neighborhood Plans Build Excitement, Purpose
Neighborhood plans work wonders if you need to solidify residents or your city around specific goals. Find out what it takes to prepare one.
Ready to do something about it?
Turn this into a clear plan.
Mission Maps helps you get clear on the need, mission, outcomes, program, and funding direction.
Original guidance from A Good Community: How to Make and Keep It, owned and edited by Nancy Thompson (formerly Useful Community Development), shared with permission. Community Compass notes and updates are our own and have not been reviewed by Nancy Thompson.