Community is self-defining, based on a sense of shared purpose and common goals.
It may be geographic or a community of interest, built on heritage and cultural values shared among community members. Community defined in this way is not always synonymous with municipality. In some cases, communities may cluster together beyond their municipal boundaries, based on their assessment of the value in working together. A community might also identify itself on a smaller scale, such as a neighbourhood. Community Development is the process of the community coming together around its shared goals.