Most of the nation relies on a volunteer and/or hybrid (partial career) staffing model to provide Fire and EMS services to their community. As the demands of jobs and family life continue to increase, communities face a crisis as volunteer recruitment and retention continue to decline at an alarming rate. While department culture and leadership are mainstays in preserving and maintaining the volunteer fire service, the built environment can significantly bolster numbers and entice regular participation. This presentation will give departments the information they need to convince their elected officials that investing in a new or renovated station is one of the smartest fiscal investments they can make in their community. Case studies will be presented along the way that demonstrate the results of designing for recruitment and retention vs. the tremendous costs associated with doing nothing.