The Civic Library

Everything we've published, in one place.

Browse by kind or topic. Reading status is kept on this device only.

A small civic library is the right shape for this work — organized, and meant to be read in pieces. The shelves below collect publications by Series. Browse the full catalog beneath them when you'd like to look something up by kind or topic.— Editorial Team

Series 01

Community Series

0 of 1 on your shelf

Calling the first meeting, keeping the record, sharing it on.

CRS-P-002
Community Meeting Packet
Run a porch meeting in 45 minutes.

Series 02

Records Series

0 of 9 on your shelf

Asking for public records and keeping the evidence honest.

CRS-H-004
Public Records Handbook
Ask the right office, in the right words.
CRS-H-005
Research a Project
Build a file before the file builds you.
CRS-H-009
Noise & Construction Handbook
Documenting impact week by week.
CRS-F-001
A 14-acre rezoning gained a 75-foot buffer after one porch meeting.
Conditions added: tree buffer, drainage study, evening lighting cap.
CRS-F-002
A FOIA request surfaced a missing noise study before the data-center hearing.
Nightly noise limits became a condition of approval after the study was produced.
CRS-F-003
A logistics warehouse was withdrawn after the applicant's traffic study was challenged.
Application pulled before the planning commission vote.
CRS-F-004
A first-time speaker stood up and finished her three minutes.
She wasn't intimidated. She finished the time. The board listened.
CRS-F-005
A transmission easement crossed the parcel before anyone read the deed.
Construction began on the easement before neighbors understood the right.
CRS-F-006
A nearby rezoning passed because no one signed up to speak.
The application passed on consent. No conditions were added.

Series 03

Decision Series

0 of 9 on your shelf

Hearings, rezonings, and the moments where decisions are made.

CRS-H-001
Public Hearing Handbook
How a hearing actually works, and how to be heard.
CRS-H-002
Hearing Survival Card
An adaptable speaking outline, folded in your pocket.
CRS-H-003
Rezoning Handbook
From posted sign to second reading.
CRS-H-007
Understanding Local Government
Who decides what, and why it matters.
CRS-P-001
Hearing Packet
What to hand a commissioner.
CRS-P-002
Community Meeting Packet
Run a porch meeting in 45 minutes.
CRS-P-003
Civic Brief
One-page situation summary.
CRS-FG-001
Attending Your First Hearing
Where to sit, when to sign up, how to leave with notes.
CRS-FG-002
Understanding Rezoning Signs
The yellow sign on the parcel — what it actually says.

Series 04

Reference Series

0 of 9 on your shelf

Field guides, glossaries, and the long-shelf reference set.

CRS-FG-001
Attending Your First Hearing
Where to sit, when to sign up, how to leave with notes.
CRS-FG-002
Understanding Rezoning Signs
The yellow sign on the parcel — what it actually says.
CRS-FG-003
Reading a Staff Report
The first three pages tell you almost everything.
CRS-FG-004
Taking Good Evidence Photos
What the record will accept; what it will dismiss.
CRS-FG-005
Talking to Neighbors
A short conversation, repeated, builds the record.
Stormwater & Impervious Surfaces
§ 14.6.2
Rezoning — Notice & Public Hearing
§ 15.3.1
Data Center — Cooling & Noise Limits
§ 22.4
Planning Commission — Minutes
Planning Commission Minutes, March 14, 2026, pp. 4–7

Recommended Library Paths

Four small reading paths through the canon — not "related products," just a librarian's suggestion.

Everything we've published, in one place.

Community Series

Records Series

Decision Series

Reference Series

Recommended Library Paths

Browse the catalog

Handbooks

Packets

Field Guides

Field Reports

Collections

Citations