Bloomberg Philanthropies has launched its 2021 Global Mayors Challenge, which will award 15 cities $1 million each for innovations developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The four themes for this year’s competition will address the most significant challenges to emerge during the pandemic: economic recovery and inclusive growth; health and well-being; climate and environment; and, good governance and equality.
This is the fifth year of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, which calls for city governments across the world to submit their ideas to improve common urban issues. This year, international cities with populations of at least 100,000 may participate.
“Across the globe, mayors are on the front lines 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,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “The Bloomberg Philanthropies 2021 Global Mayors Challenge is designed to support leaders who are on the cutting edge of urban policy and work with them to test their most innovative ideas – and spread what works to other cities around the world. 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.”
Applications for the challenge are due by March 21, 2021. 50 finalists and 15 grand prize winners of the challenge will be selected, with the finalists receiving coaching, data specific to their entries, and technical assistance and training to develop their ideas. The fifteen grand prize winners will receive $1 million each and multi-year support to implement their ideas. Cities can apply here: mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org