Citizens of urban areas want access to a clean environment and healthy resources, plus access to the economic prosperity necessary to afford a high standard of living. Prosperity is not synonymous with continual growth, but sustainable cities must provide sufficient opportunities for employment and wealth creation. Cities that are sustainable will be the most sought communities for job creation as well as urban development. Research on sustainable urban prosperity will identify strategies for accomplishing economic advancement that mitigate the damage done to the urban environment by pollution and poorly planned land use change. Our research and our role as educators can also assist in other employment concerns, such as the understanding the changing fields of employment and the need for job training.Cities in the future will compete for residents based upon their sustainability profile.