The go-to guide for sustainable community development, from the neighborhood to the regional level


Fully revised and updated, Toward Sustainable Communities is the definitive guide to the why, the what, and most importantly, the how of creating resilient, healthy, equitable, and prosperous places.


This fifth edition introduces the innovative Community Capital Compass as a powerful tool for maximizing the environmental, economic, and social benefits of complex community and regional decisions, and has been completely revamped to serve readers in the US, Canada, and abroad.


Those seeking a comprehensive approach to sustainable community planning and development from the neighborhood to the regional level will benefit from:




An expanded Community Capital framework that organizes community resources into eight interrelated forms of capital
The Community Capital Compass process for navigating complex situations involving everything from municipal services and land-use planning to housing and climate change
Elaboration of collaborative governance, community mobilization, public engagement, capacity building, infrastructure, policymaking, and promising practices
A companion website featuring case studies, profiles, online resources, interactive tools, videos, and more.


Packed with concrete, proven strategies, this "living book" is the go-to guide for sustainable community development. Toward Sustainable Communities is essential reading for current and aspiring professionals, practitioners, policymakers, educators, purpose-driven organizations, engaged citizens, and anyone concerned about their communities and a sustainable future.