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Before They Build™

A handbook for prepared neighbors.

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Community Record Series · Volume

Most Important

If you only read five things, read these.

For: Anyone who has five minutes and no time to browse.

Start with the Civic Brief. Then the Hearing Packet. Then attend one meeting. That is the whole on-ramp.

CRS-V-001·Edition 13·5 publications inside

Packets

CRS-C-310Civic BriefOne page. Five minutes. For neighbors who won't read a handbook.CRS-P-205Hearing PacketWalk into the room prepared. Leave knowing what happened.

Field Guides

CRS-FG-001Attending Your First HearingWhere to sit, when to sign up, how to leave with notes.CRS-FG-003Reading a Staff ReportThe first three pages tell you almost everything.

Field Reports

CRS-F-004A first-time speaker stood up and finished her three minutes.She wasn't intimidated. She finished the time. The board listened.

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Community Record Series · Vol. 01 · Founder's Edition · V1.0

Prepared for neighbors, communities, and local decision-makers.

Before They Build™A neighbor education project

Understand. Prepare. Participate.

A neighbor-friendly guide for understanding, documenting, participating in, and preserving the decisions that shape your street.

Prepared Neighbor Checklist

  • ✓ I understand the proposal.
  • ✓ I know the important dates.
  • ✓ I know who makes the decision.
  • ✓ I have gathered the facts.
  • ✓ I am prepared to participate.

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Before They Build Newsletter — monthly publishing notes

New editions, jurisdictions added, corrections of record, one civic case study, one practical tip.Read the archive →

Before They Build Newsletter · Monthly

Monthly updates on local government, public notices, new handbook editions, and practical civic resources.

One email a month. Unsubscribe in one click.

Legacy

  • Public Hearing Handbook
  • Hearing Survival Card
  • Rezoning Handbook
  • Meeting Helper
  • Public Records Handbook
  • Research a Project
  • Easement Handbook
  • Understanding Local Government
  • Noise & Construction
  • Water & Wetlands
  • Wildlife
  • Understanding Permits

Helping communities understand local decisions before they become permanent.

Before They Build Press · An imprint of ShellMiddy Inc. · Independently published. No advertisers. No partisan funding.

Before They Build™ is supported by readers and mission supporters. Core educational resources remain free. Support the mission.

Everyday note. Before They Build is a civic handbook for prepared neighbors. For decisions involving money, property, or rights, confirm with a local attorney or the appropriate office. Published by ShellMiddy Inc.

© 1970 Before They Build™. All rights reserved. · Permissions · Last updated January 1970.

Founder's Edition · V1.0 · July 2026 · launch note · roadmap · feedback welcome

Set in Fraunces and Source Serif. Printed for the public record.