• Introduction
  • Cities, Climate and Sustainability
  • Action Planning Model
  • Mainstreaming Innovation
  • Building Government Capacity
Introduction
Urgency and Opportunity: Innovation and Action

Download the executive summary here


The Power of Planning and Design:  Climate change poses significant threats to American towns and cities. At the same time a growing number of local governments have learned that planning and design innovations for buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure can bring considerable environmental, social and economic benefits.

No municipality has overcome all its challenges nor seized all its opportunities. Many, however, have achieved significant successes from which others can learn.

The Playbook is designed for local government leaders and staff who are new to green development as well as early movers seeking to strengthen their programs. Each section contains “talking points” and background materials to prime elected officials and staff on key issues. Detailed how-to resources gleaned from local governments across the country offer practical program guidance.

The strategic overview component of the Playbook provides the overarching rationale for action, and offers a strategic approach for establishing new programs and building momentum in green development.