So what do you want Leeds to be like in 2030?

What if Leeds had an underground tube network? What if Leeds has the best quality of life in the UK by 2030? What if Leeds was a city of fairness? Unrealistic questions? Maybe not, as these are the sort of ideas Leeds folk are being asked to come up with as a massive public consultation exercise launches today to find out what kind of city people want to make Leeds by 2030. Over the next three months 'What if Leeds …? Talk today shape tomorrow' aims to find out the views of people who live and work in Leeds on how the city Leeds should develop over the next 20 years. The campaign has its own website: www.whatifleeds.org , which invites people to get involved in a debate about the kind of city they want Leeds to be and their ideas for how we can make it happen. Two subjects up for debate include What if Leeds becomes a centre for musical excellence? What if Leeds was a responsible city ? You can also start your own debates. People can also make comments and join in the debate through social media, including Facebook and Twitter @whatifleeds - you can also follow the hashtag #whatifleeds. 'We need to think ahead and plan for future' Councillor Keith Wakefield, chair of the Leeds Initiative which is running the concultation, and leader of Leeds Council, said: "We are living in challenging times. The global recession has had a real impact on the Leeds' economy and led to a significant fall in the public money available. "A changing climate is increasingly affecting our daily lives and we are continuing to use up the planet's natural resources at an alarming speed. And, like other major cities, our population is forecast to grow. "These are just some of the reasons we need to think ahead and plan for future success." Chief executive of Leeds Council, Tom Riordan, added: "We are in a time of economic uncertainty, but this means there is an even greater need to plan for the future to make sure the city can stay resilient, stay ahead and offer a great quality of life for all. Leeds is a great city, and we want to talk to the people of Leeds to find out how we can make it the best city in the UK." Printed consultation documents are also being made available across the city in public buildings, including libraries, community centres and one stop centres. And community groups, organisations and workplaces are holding their own 'what if Leeds…' conversations across the city. The consultation will run until the end of December. From that, a new plan will emerge, setting the direction for Leeds by 2030. Wakefield added: "We will be listening carefully to what the people of Leeds think are the most important priorities to make sure the city remains successful into the future not just for ourselves but for future generations." What do you think about the latest vision for Leeds? What would you like your city to be like in 20 years' time? Have your say in the comments section below.