A prosperous city has a high standard of living, including affordable accommodation and access to quality education. It attracts and retains the best workers. It has state-of-the-art facilities and institutions and is at the forefront of research and emerging technologies. Business and industry capitalise on green technologies and sustainable design to make Melbourne a world centre for innovative. In a prosperous city, business and industry embrace the Triple Bottom Line approach in order to minimise their environmental impact, respond to the changing climate, invest in social capital, share knowledge collaboratively and mentor emerging business.

A prosperous city has a financial services hub with excellent access to financial service providers, markets, clients and venture capital. Connections are made between businesses, institutions and workers, and collaboration and joint ventures are supported. Change is inevitable but negative impacts are countered by emerging opportunities. Diversity and flexibility in land supply and accommodation are critical to ensuring future trends can be capitalised upon with minimal disruption.

A prosperous city engages with the network of global cities. It attracts global investment, successfully competes in world markets and participates in global issues. It attracts global investment and hosts nationally and internationally-recognised sporting and cultural events. The exposure these events provide as well as their local popularity contribute to Melbourne's global reputation, economic development and prosperity.

As well as providing a base for high value services that are exported to customers and clients interstate and overseas, a prosperous city also offers a vibrant local market place, providing high quality retail, entertainment and commercial services for residents and workers drawn from both the municipality and the wider metropolitan area. A prosperous city has an energetic, dynamic and creative small business sector which is adept at identifying and cultivating local niche markets. This ultimately generates a distinctive business culture with strong synergies between local and export markets.

A prosperous city is a stimulating, vibrant and safe city and is an exciting place for all to visit. It is a city that operates around the clock and continually strives to balance the needs of all city users. It also exhibits a strong culture of philanthropy wherein businesses and individuals contribute significantly to building stronger more robust and equitable communities.

Goals to be a prosperous city: