From the executive summary of the playbook:

STRATEGIC LOCAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
As local governments take the lead in climate protection, a new tool is available to help them rapidly advance green buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure. Called the "Playbook," this web-based resource shows how strategic actions in these sectors promote economic development, build healthier communities, strengthen energy independence, and support climate protection.

The City of Seattle and US Green Building Council convened over 20 partners including US cities and counties, non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies and utilities who collaborated to produce the first phase of the Playbook to help mayors and county leaders who have accepted the challenge set out in the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

Launched on November 1, 2007 at the US Conference of Mayors Climate Summit, the Playbook is designed for elected officials, and senior managers and staff developing and implementing local climate action plans. The Playbook details strategic actions that build support and assure steady progress. There is specific advice on:

• How to assess the local risks and opportunities.
• How to create an action-oriented planning process for green projects and programs.
• How to build momentum and maintain steady progress by moving innovative ideas into the mainstream.
• How to build local government’s capacity for advancing green buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure.

Each section contains "talking points" for elected officials and background materials for staff to prime them on the issues; detailed how-to resources gleaned from local governments across the country; and, practical program guidance and policies and regulatory levers. By working to address buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure, local governments will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide wise investment in the social infrastructure of their communities, produce cleaner air, generate more robust jobs and local commerce, and create healthier environments for their citizens and future generations.

A wide range of useful and effective tools currently exist for local governments. The Playbook complements existing tools, provides depth and breadth in the three targeted sectors, and situates the information within a strategic guide to local action. The tool will evolve through input by local governments to ensure its long-term value and relevancy. The Playbook will enable local governments to take rapid and effective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by these sectors. In so doing, it will result in significant, timely, and effective municipal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Buildings
The building industry is the single largest contributor to global warming in the country, and green buildings can offer a cost effective solution for achieving measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The section helps to make the case for action, provides guidance on careful planning, and recommends effective policies and strategies to practice and promote green building.

Green Neighborhoods
Green neighborhoods are great places to live, as well as a terrific opportunity to combat climate change. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 to 40 percent or more per person. This section introduces an approach to build a robust plan around realistic targets, and recommends a comprehensive suite of short- and long-term actions to take and access to useful tools and resources.

Infrastructure
The infrastructure systems that underpin our buildings and neighborhoods play a strong role in sustainability. Sustainable infrastructure solutions consider a balance between centralized and distributed systems. This section offers an approach and strategic solutions to help advance sustainable infrastructure through collaboration, "quick wins," tools, policy recommendations, and leading actions.