The Change Engine
Neighborhood Leadership
Your neighborhood has a story, and you can help write the next chapter. This path teaches you how Houston neighborhoods work, how to get things done through city hall, and how to lead with your community.
Advanced 285 min 6 modules
Create a free account to track your progress and earn badges as you learn.
Modules
6 modules1
Every neighborhood already has everything it needs to thrive. The job of a leader is not to bring in what's missing — it's to discover what's already there.
— John McKnight and Jody Kretzmann, ABCD Institute
What Makes a Neighborhood
Every neighborhood has strengths, stories, and people who make it special. This module helps you see your neighborhood through an asset-based lens — focusing on what you have, not what you lack. Explore how history, culture, and identity shape the places we call home.
Jay Grimes — Finding Identity in Community (TED) Dorice Ramsey — Creating a Connected Community (TED) Nurture Development — ABCD GuideHome — Phillip Phillips
45 min lesson
Objectives: Define asset-based community development and contrast with deficit approaches, Identify five types of community assets, Describe how neighborhood identity is shaped by history and culture, Conduct a simple neighborhood asset inventory
2
Houston is divided into 88 super neighborhoods. Each one has a direct line to city hall. Do you know which one is yours?
Civic Infrastructure
Houston has a unique system of super neighborhoods, civic clubs, and HOAs that connects residents to city government. This module maps that civic infrastructure so you know exactly who to work with and how to plug in.
Houston Defender — Super Neighborhoods Explained Click2Houston — What Is a Civic Club? City of Houston — Super Neighborhoods DirectoryWe're Not Gonna Take It — Twisted Sister
40 min lesson
Objectives: Explain Houston's 88 super neighborhoods and the Super Neighborhood Alliance, Describe differences between civic clubs HOAs and management districts, Identify your own super neighborhood and its council, Explain how super neighborhood action plans work
3
Houston is the largest city in America without zoning. That means a nightclub can open next to a school — unless neighbors know how to use the tools they already have.
Land Use and Development
Houston is the largest city in America with no zoning laws — and that makes it unlike anywhere else. This module explains how land use really works in Houston, from deed restrictions to minimum lot sizes. Understanding development is key to protecting your neighborhood.
Half as Interesting — Planning Without Zoning Explained City Beautiful — Debunking Houston Zoning Myths Rice Kinder Institute — Houston's Zoning WorkaroundsThis Land Is Your Land — Woody Guthrie
50 min lesson
Objectives: Explain why Houston has no formal zoning and what de facto zoning means, Identify tools Houston uses instead of zoning, Describe how development decisions affect neighborhoods, Recognize opportunities to influence development
4
That pothole on your street? Someone's job to fix it. That broken streetlight? There's a number to call. The hardest part isn't getting things done — it's knowing who to ask.
Getting Things Done
When your street needs fixing, your park needs lights, or your block needs attention, there are real people and systems that can help. This module teaches you how to navigate Houston's 311 system, connect with your council member, and work with commissioners to solve problems.
Houstonia — How to Attend City Council Meetings Houston Landing — Your Guide to Houston 311 City of Houston — 311 Official GuideRespect — Aretha Franklin
40 min practical
Objectives: Use Houston 311 to submit and track service requests, Identify your council member and county commissioner, Describe roles of each level of local government, Develop a strategy for escalating issues when needed
5
What if your neighborhood could own the land under its homes — forever? That's not a dream. It's called a community land trust, and Houston already has one.
Community Development
This module introduces the powerful tools communities use to build wealth and prevent displacement. Learn about CDFIs, community land trusts, and inclusive development strategies that keep neighborhoods affordable and thriving.
PBS — Faith Hope and Capital: CDFIs CDFI Coalition — What Is a CDFI? Houston Community Land Trust — About UsBeautiful Day — U2
50 min lesson
Objectives: Define CDFIs and explain how they serve underserved communities, Describe how community land trusts keep housing permanently affordable, Explain how the Houston Community Land Trust works, Identify strategies for inclusive development
6
You don't need permission to lead your neighborhood. You just need a plan, some neighbors, and the courage to start.
Your Neighborhood Plan
Everything you have learned comes together here. In this final module, you will create a real neighborhood action plan using the tools, relationships, and knowledge from the entire learning path. This is where learning becomes leadership.
Dontae Latson — The Power of Community (TED) De'Amon Harges — The Roving Listener (ABCD in Action) MRSC — Community Visioning HandbookWe Are the Champions — Queen
60 min project
Objectives: Conduct a neighborhood asset inventory, Identify three priority issues using community input, Map civic infrastructure and decision-makers for your priorities, Draft a neighborhood action plan with goals timelines and success measures
More Learning Paths
Civic Engagement 101Understanding Your BenefitsKnow Your RightsHealth Literacy EssentialsFinancial Foundations
View all paths