Emissions affect many aspects of a neighborhood, so many departments will need to work together to reduce them.  Others will also need to be involved, and the plan needs to look beyond its borders and to a longer timeline. 

In developing your plan, consider the following opportunities:

• Mesh with existing processes: Involving members of different departments in planning and design results in better projects. This also helps ensure planning and development approvals.

• Relate to larger-scale initiatives: Neighborhood plans are most likely to succeed if they dovetail with – and possibly influence – comprehensive land-use plans and infrastructure master plans.

• Develop partnerships with important stakeholders: Link with, support and encourage related activities and programs sponsored by community groups, businesses, and state and federal agencies.

• Focus on high-value actions: Identify and implement actions that will produce significant greenhouse gas reductions and achieve other benefits while minimizing costs to the local government and the community.

• Invest in long-term strategies:  While there is a strong market for green neighborhoods, local governments need to overcome the barriers to change.