The Community First! approach enables the development of truly affordable housing by using land that’s not bound by restrictive local zoning laws, which helps change the way people think about and interact with the neighbors once the community is built. Strategizing around NIMBYism means developing on land where restrictive zoning laws are either not present, as is the case in all county land in the state of Texas, or where other protections override these laws, such as religious or civil rights protections. Our Community First! approach then works to gain the support of surrounding neighbors as well as the broader community by finding underused spaces and turning them into safe, dignified and beautiful places where everyone can come and live, work and serve alongside one another. The community empowerment involved in our Community First! approach is more fundamental than any one aspect of housing type or site design that we have chosen for Community First! Village. We recommend you start by understanding your local area’s zoning, regulation and best practices for building and site development. Your local architects and builders may be good resources.