Mastering Land Use Politics:

Dealing with NIMBYs, YIMBYs, and Covert Operatives

Mastering Land Use Politics: Dealing with NIMBYs, YIMBYs, and Covert Operatives is a no-nonsense guide to navigating the political minefields of real estate development. Drawing on over three decades of frontline experience, Patrick F. Fox reveals the strategies behind winning approvals, dealing with opposition, and managing public perception. Whether you’re a developer, consultant, or policymaker, this book provides the tools you need to succeed in an era where good projects still lose — and where the real battles are fought outside the hearing room. With both a strategic playbook and insider storytelling, “Mastering Land Use Politics” offers a clear-eyed look at the realities of development today and the tools you need to win the fight.

About the Author

Patrick F. Fox is one of the nation’s foremost authorities on land use politics. As CEO of Consensus Strategies and former President of The Saint Consulting Group, he has advised on more than 2,000 development and infrastructure projects across the U.S. and abroad. With a reputation for uncovering hidden opposition and running political-style campaigns for project approvals, Fox brings unmatched insight into how land use decisions are really made — and how to influence them.

About Consensus Strategies

Consensus Strategies is a national consulting firm specializing in land use politics, strategic advocacy, and public opinion research. From zoning battles to market entry campaigns, we help clients secure approvals, manage risk, and shape public discourse. With deep political expertise and data-driven strategy, we turn controversial projects into successful outcomes.

Learn More Here

Look Inside

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"In a world where politics, media and economics are woven into every aspect of real estate development, Mastering Land Use Politics, is the ultimate user guide.

Knowing the mechanics can only take you so far, Fox gives the information you really need to get your deal done."

"What a valuable book. It's packed with insider intel on the often surprisingly difficult zoning and entitlements process. Patrick is a favorite guest of mine of America's Commercial Real Estate Show and from those interviews, it's no surprise his book drops so much knowledge."

"The book is great for developers, or anyone else needing to go through the public process to get a project, big or small, approved. This should also be a must-read for members of decision making bodies/lead agencies (like planning commissions, city councils, etc.). It is also recommended reading for anyone wanting to play serious opposition to a proposal. The author, with 35 years of experience in the field, admits he wrote the book with the 'what would I do to stop me' in mind."

"Patrick Fox has mastered the use of social media and grassroots organizing to drive public decisions regarding land use, by identifying potential supporters of his client's point of view and having them "find" each other. The result is that unseen hands can guide land use decisions to the benefit of Pat's clients."