Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced the launch of a competition 2021 Global Mayors Challenge – aimed at identifying and accelerating the most ambitious ideas developed by cities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Challenge will identify innovative proposals from cities with populations of at least a hundred thousand for addressing the most significant challenges to emerge during the pandemic, with a focus on four areas —
Economic recovery and inclusive growth
Health and well-being
Climate and the environment
Good governance and equality.
Applications close on March 21, 2021.
The competition will select 50 finalists that represent the world’s leading urban innovations to emerge from the pandemic. Fifteen grand prize winners will receive $1 million each and robust multi-year support to implement and spread their breakthrough ideas.
Fifty finalists will also receive coaching from experts in innovation, data, and project-specific subject matter aimed at strengthening their submissions; technical assistance and training designed to help them test and refine their ideas; and access to a network of peers.
The 2021 Global Mayors Challenge builds on four previous competitions focused on U.S. cities or cities in specific global regions through which a total of twenty-four ideas were selected as winners.
The Challenge is bigger than ever before and will offer an enhanced program of support designed to meet the needs and ambitions of cities today. For the first time, the Challenge will be a global competition, a reflection of the urgency felt by cities around the world to develop new approaches amid the pandemic.
Cities selected as finalists in the 2021 Global Mayors Challenge will have access to an expansive program of support. Finalists will receive coaching from world renowned experts in innovation, data, and project-specific subject matter to strengthen their submissions. Bespoke technical assistance and training will also help finalists test and refine their ideas.
Finally, cities will join an unparalleled network of peers also pursuing bold, new ideas.
Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and a former three-term mayor of New York City, stated: “Across the globe, mayors are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. And as they continue to manage this unprecedented public health crisis, city leaders are finding creative new ways to deliver services while also rebuilding their economies in ways that tackle climate change and fight inequality. To emerge from this crisis stronger, cities need to be bold — and I have no doubt this year’s ideas will be some of the best yet.”
The Challenge will select more finalists and grand prize winners than in previous competitions. Cities with populations of 100,000 or more are welcome to submit their boldest ideas at any stage of development.
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 810 cities and 170 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2020, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.6 billion.Interested Cities can apply Here
