A Town Renaissance initiative, which is bringing investment into Huddersfield, is set to expand to Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton as well as Dewsbury and Batley.
A vision of Kirklees being a top quality area in which to live, work and play has to be built on ambition, partnership and community leadership, according to a councillor.
A State of the Borough debate on a 2016 vision for Kirklees took place at a full council meeting.
In the weeks ahead, key issues will be further discussed with partner organisations before a fuller debate in the summer on the long-term vision for the district.
"We want ambition for our area," said deputy leader of Kirklees Council, Councillor John Smithson, who led the debate at the meeting.
The central aim is for the Kirklees area in 2016 to be one of the best in the north of England in which to live.
Coun Smithson said: "Quality of life is the key."
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