diff --git a/frontend/.env b/frontend/.env
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4452883
--- /dev/null
+++ b/frontend/.env
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+REACT_APP_API_URL=
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/frontend/package.json b/frontend/package.json
index fdb60fb..9cdbfb1 100644
--- a/frontend/package.json
+++ b/frontend/package.json
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
   "name": "frontend",
   "version": "0.1.0",
   "private": true,
+  "proxy": "http://localhost:8000",
   "dependencies": {
     "@dank-inc/data-buddy": "^0.2.0",
     "@testing-library/react": "^11.1.0",
diff --git a/frontend/src/App.tsx b/frontend/src/App.tsx
index 3ddd0ce..4735492 100644
--- a/frontend/src/App.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/App.tsx
@@ -6,9 +6,11 @@ import { AppContextProvider } from './contexts/AppContext'
 import './app.scss'
 
 const App = () => {
+  const baseURL = process.env.REACT_APP_API_URL || '/api'
+
   return (
     <BrowserRouter>
-      <AppContextProvider baseURL="/api">
+      <AppContextProvider baseURL={baseURL}>
         <UserContextProvider>
           <CoreLayout />
         </UserContextProvider>