Communities are the first responders to urban disasters and central actors in resilience-building. This chapter highlights participatory planning, social capital, and adaptive capacity as foundations for community-based DRR. Durban, Beira, and Harare case studies illustrate innovative grassroots responses, including women-led recovery initiatives and autonomous adaptation in informal settlements. Persistent challenges such as exclusion, limited resources, and weak institutional support are analysed. Policy pathways include legal reforms, financing mechanisms, and inclusive participation frameworks. The chapter demonstrates that empowering communities is not optional but essential for risk-informed and sustainable regional urban development.