The sustainable solutions model is based upon and informed by a series of broadly constructed principles. This approach should not be understood as expressive of the full breadth and depth of the model, but rather as a contextual framework within which to consider the model"s constitutive elements and processes.

1. Effective planning must demonstrate the purposeful integration of the analytic, design, sustainability, and implementation elements of urban planning.
2. Planning activities must evidence a commitment to the protection, enhancement, and restoration of ecosystems, and the environment.
3. Planning efforts must seek to support the development of a strategically designed built environment that promotes neighborhood infill, diversity in housing options, attainment of selected density objectives, mixed use neighborhood centers, and heightened connectivity.
4. The selection of areas for neighborhood development must be predicated on a data driven set of decision criteria.
5. Completed neighborhood development plans must incorporate strategies designed to reduce vehicular traffic and enhance opportunities for pedestrian movement.
6. The planning process must include the active and meaningful engagement of individual stakeholders, and stakeholder clusters in all constitutive elements and processes of the planning cycle.
7. The planning cycle must include the entitlement of property in the target neighborhood by the local governing body in a manner consistent with the identified neighborhood development plan.
8. The recruitment of prospective developers must be conducted in strict accordance with selection criteria in the areas of green building technology, financial capability and relevant project experience.
9. The neighborhood development process must include a comprehensive and multi- disciplinary project and/or construction management phase directed by an independent agent retained by the local governing body.
10. The neighborhood development plan must demonstrate effective linkages among residential, commercial, service and institutional sectors, and enhanced connectivity to existing transportation corridors.