The Scottish Government has been urged to support Aberdeen’s bid for a City Deal from the UK Treasury.
Council leaders are finalising a submission to the UK Government for the initiative which could unlock millions of pounds of investment for the area.
Eight cities in England are already working on the scheme, and Glasgow is progressing with a bid which would be the first in Scotland.
Aberdeen’s Labour-led administration believes the deal could help fund infrastructure projects, including much-needed housing, transport improvements and city centre regeneration.
A report to the local authority’s finance, policy and resources committee on Thursday requests formal approval for lodging the application with the Treasury in August.
Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has already said that an Aberdeen bid would be considered.
The Highland MP has also said City Deals had not been attempted in Scotland before because some of the powers involved are devolved to Holyrood.
North-east Labour MSP Richard Baker believes the SNP government in Edinburgh should get behind the plan.
He said: “This could be a massive benefit for Aberdeen, and of course a huge benefit to Scotland as well.
“I would see it as more political than financial backing, but it is a great opportunity.
“The SNP keep saying they want to help the city, but we are still bottom of the table in terms of funding.”
English cities in the first wave of deals secured groundbreaking powers, including the ability to “earn back” tax from the Treasury, control transport budgets and help plug skills gaps.
The committee report by David Leslie, strategic infrastructure plan manager, says meetings have taken place between the city authority and counterparts in Aberdeenshire on options for the wider region.
He adds: “There is a clear case, given the economic geography, for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to collaborate to develop a single infrastructure fund.
“The area is a successful city region compared to other UK cities, but its GVA (gross value added) could grow further if a number of infrastructure constraints are alleviated.”
He adds that the administration’s Strategic Infrastructure Plan, approved in October last year, will require “a package” of funding options from “a variety of sources”.