Bloomberg Philanthropies launches $1M Global Mayors Challenge to improve city services
The New York nonprofit Bloomberg Philanthropies on Wednesday launched the Global Mayors Challenge, a competition in which mayors of cities from anywhere in the world with 100,000 residents or more can apply for the chance to win $1 million to improve municipal services, such as public transportation, waste management, housing or emergency response.
Mayors can apply through Dec. 20, and next March, Bloomberg Philanthropies and its advisory council will choose fifty finalists to receive $50,000 and participate in an “ideas camp” to hone, model and test their concepts. In October 2025, the nonprofit and its council will select 25 cities based on novelty, potential for impact and ability to deliver critical services. Each will be awarded $1 million and operational assistance to bring their proposals to life.
This sixth challenge builds expands the previous Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenges, which have provided 38 cities with funding and technical assistance to address civic issues over the past five years.
“This new Challenge will empower cities to re-think the way they deliver essential services in ways that better meet the everyday needs of residents. Bloomberg Philanthropies believes in the power of cities to affect change and we’re looking forward to seeing the bold proposals that mayors put together – and helping their cities bring them to life,” Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a press release.
The announcement comes after the National League of Cities, a Washington D.C. nonprofit focused on municipal governance, released its 2024 State of the Cities report, which explored the challenges municipal governments face and how city leaders plan to solve them. According to the report, economic development, infrastructure, housing, public health and public safety are the top priorities for mayors around the world.
