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Before They Build™

A handbook for prepared neighbors.

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A tool. Build a prep card for a specific meeting. · Participate · Binder Tab A — Hearing · Companion: Public Hearing Handbook
ABinder A · Hearing

Meeting Helper

Walk in knowing what to ask.

A few inputs, a five-question prep card, and a reminder list. Printable.

≈8 min readPrint-worthy

Meeting Helper

A short, printable prep card for a specific meeting.

Top concerns

Help us improve this guide.

If you'd like to share feedback, your note goes to the editorial team to make this guide clearer. Email is optional and only used if you ask for a reply.

Next step

Where readers usually go from here

Print the Hearing Survival CardA wallet-sized companion to bring with you.
  • Add supporting evidence →Anything you mention works harder with a record behind it.
  • Read the full Public Hearing Handbook →Deeper context on procedure, verbs, and the record.

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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.

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Legacy

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