Cities are increasingly recognizing the role of the natural environment in shaping healthy and livable places that enhance human capital and urban resilience. This paper shares how cities are using innovative approaches for policy making and planning to account for natural assets and to protect and enhance biodiversity. A range of policy options is provided together with a practical action plan for conducting assessments of natural assets in and around cities. With this information cities can holistically assess, plan, create, and maintain natural assets to leverage their value for residents’ wellbeing.