John L. McKnight Resources

A Guide to Mapping Consumer Expenditures and Mobilizing Consumer Expenditure Capacities

by John P. Kretzmann and John L. McKnight (published by The Asset-Based Community Development Institute, 1996)

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Summary:

Why is a vibrant local economy important for the wellbeing of your community? Why does it matter where and how local residents spend their money? How can you mobilize the collective buying power of residents to improve the overall health of your community? This practical guide answers these questions and more, as it explains how to map the consumer expenditures and capacities of those living in a particular neighborhood and utilize this knowledge to benefit the local economy.

The guide is divided into two sections. In Section One, Kretzmann and McKnight explain how to map out a community’s spending patterns. In Section Two, they discuss ways to connect local vendors to residents who might want to purchase their products; inform vendors of products residents are interested in purchasing; explain to residents the importance of supporting local businesses; and encourage the development of new businesses. The appendix is chock full of easy-to-use and easy-to-reproduce worksheets and inventories.

Why  does FASTEN recommend this resource?

Kretzmann and McKnight’s book, Building Communities from the Inside Out, revolutionized the field of community of development. This workbook is one of a series that fleshes out the concepts discussed in Building Communities, applying the Asset-Based Community Development approach to the task of mobilizing consumer expenditures locally. It is an essential tool for anyone serious about community development to have in his or her toolbox.