If I had to build a community from scratch:
At the center, I would put most of the commercial and educational buildings, with networks of paths connecting them for ease of walkability. There would be an electric public bus going around the outside (for some reason, I envision a monorail ... but not necessary). Inside, there would also be community bicycles. Beyond the bus route, there would be residences, with additional electric public bus routes. All buildings would be required to have solar panel roofs, LED lighting, efficient insulation, and bird-deterring windows. Community and private gardens are encouraged, and plenty of trees dot the commercial areas. Invasive plants are forbidden, and native plants encouraged. Lawns are restricted. There is a reuse center, where any resident can drop off unwanted items, find something to take home, or get help in repairing things. There is also a community compost, so people who don't have their own can recycle their food and yard waste. Single-stream curbside recycling pickup is available for every building, private, commercial, or governmental. Trash must be taken to a center and paid for, where it is further separated into missed recyclables and true waste. Waste is then transferred to a landfill, which uses methane capture methods to produce fuel. Retailers are penalized for selling or offering single-use plastics, like straws and bags, and must take them back after use if they do. Grocery stores will have plenty of bulk bins and unpackaged produce and breads. All plastic and styrofoam packaging must be taken back and returned to the manufacturers. Produce stickers are biodegradable, or returned to the seller. Homes are powered with rooftop solar and energy from a wind farm outside of town. Water use is carefully monitored and not wasted (such as not watering lawns in the afternoon). There will be plenty of parks and playgrounds and hiking trails. There will be no gas stations, but only electric charging stations. And everyone gets free high-speed internet, just because this is an ideal situation.