To achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gases and realize other benefits of sustainable infrastructure, the local government can commit to:

• Reducing the carbon footprint of all infrastructure, whether it be municipal, public, or privately owned; this ideally includes setting long term and intermediate goals
• Requiring that all new infrastructure projects or subdivision servicing (public or private) demonstrate how the design, construction, and operation will minimize greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Working with residents, businesses, institutions and developers to reduce demand for and increase the efficiency of all infrastructure services.

The commitment by the city council or county supervisors can be carried forward in action items that include:

• Major policy documents.
• Engineering design standards. The council or board can support flexibility in engineering design standards that have an impact on energy conservation, or it can direct that it get regular updates on standards changes that reflect innovation.
• Contracts and requests for proposals.
• Municipal programs. These range from economic development activities to capacity building in the development sector.
• Decisions about public land. Strategies for green infrastructure often involve development or disposition of public property.

Policy Levers provides more information on policy-related measures.