Community Development in America: A Brief History

This article traces community development from early self-help efforts through community organization, university, social work and government thrusts to the field as we know it today. It describes the roles of key individuals, organizations, and literature in the growth of the field. The author looks ahead to crucial issues facing community development in the future. The references cited in the article are a rich source of information for anyone interested in the history and current status of community development