Land use, transport, and energy systems create demands that are transferred to ecosystems. Urban sprawl is increasing, open space and farmland are disappearing and climate change is a growing concern. Yet local, national, and EU policies on sustainable development and economic growth are often at odds with one another. A sector-by-sector approach that focuses on incremental actions precludes effective, integrated solutions. Progress towards sustainability requires a systems-based perspective grounded in science. This paper presents a comprehensive and strategic framework to help communities (1) adopt a whole-systems view to land use, transport, and energy, (2) develop a vision to guide their actions, and (3) strategically adopt actions that close the gap between the current reality and the envisioned sustainable future. An emphasis is placed on strategies related to governance structures and strategies to secure political and public acceptance, including approaches to public participation.