Commonly defined as the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, sustainability is a growing priority for local governments. As today’s cities set out to build healthy, prosperous communities where all residents can thrive, they must also prepare for future challenges. Addressing climate change, inequality, aging infrastructure, and an increasingly globalized economy requires innovation, collaboration, and careful planning.

One of the primary ways that communities prepare for the future is through planning. During the planning process, communities can look beyond immediate concerns to address root causes, evaluate courses of action and chart a path toward a better future. By incorporating sustainability principles into their plans, a community can transition from talking about sustainability in the abstract to identifying best practices and designing and implementing solutions.

LEED for Cities is an essential resource for communities seeking to address sustainability in their planning practices. The LEED for Cities framework includes social, economic, and environmental performance indicators and data-driven measures for measuring and communicating impact. With LEED, cities, towns, and counties can define sustainability on their own terms and make meaningful progress toward improving their overall sustainability and quality of life. The metrics and guidance in the LEED for Cities rating system can also be adapted according to community specifications.

From comprehensive plans to short-term or thematic plans that address climate action, urban resilience, or social equity, LEED for Cities can support a range of community planning efforts. This document highlights local governments who have aligned plans with LEED for Cities, emphasizing how and why they have used the framework to further the creation of more resilient, green, smart, and inclusive cities.