South Australia was planned as a free settlement and came into being in 1836. Founded on the traditional country of the Kaurna people, the City of Adelaide was to be the State’s central place and progressive waves of settlement have shaped the City to become one of the world’s most liveable cities. Colonel Light’s layout of town acres, squares and encircling Park Lands, the City’s people, distinct places and built heritage all contribute to this. With forecast slow population growth, structural economic adjustments, and ongoing climate change, SA continues to face significant challenges. As the central place in SA, the City generates just under 20% of the SA economy. The City’s future is inextricably linked with the wider SA, Australia and internationally.This paper will outline how Adelaide is continuing to reinvent itself to provide a future for South Australians. Education, health, food and wine, tourism, culture, and emerging technologies – including renewables - are South Australian strengths. In a global context, these position the City for a successful future.On the 100th anniversary of Australia’s inaugural town planning conference held in Adelaide in 1917, this paper will:outline what is happening in terms of liveability, business development, emissions reductions and reform to ensure a future for Adelaide. have regard to Adelaide’s socio-economic context, analyse the roles of the City of Adelaide and the SA Government, analyse the legacy of Light’s Plan and of the practice of planning.