14 U.S. cities named Champion Cities, advance to 2021 Global Mayors Challenge
Fourteen U.S. cities are among the 50 Champion Cities selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies, representing the boldest urban innovations of the past year. The cities will advance to the finalist stage of the 2021 Global Mayors Challenge, a worldwide competition that encourages and spreads cities’ most promising ideas. This year’s Challenge focuses on elevating the most important innovations generated in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayors from 631 cities in 99 countries submitted their most promising ideas for consideration, and finalists were elevated based on four criteria: vision, potential for impact, feasibility and transferability.
Racial justice emerged as the area of highest priority for U.S. cities, while social inclusion topped the European submissions. In Africa, where the world is experiencing its fastest rates of urbanization, infrastructure was dominant. Nearly half of the submissions were generated in part through participatory processes with residents.
The 50 cities hail from 29 nations on six continents, and fall under four categories: Climate & Environment, Economic Recovery & Inclusive Growth, Equality & Good Governance, and Health & Wellness.
“These 50 finalists are showing the world that, in the face of the pandemic’s enormous challenges, cities are rising to meet them with bold, innovative and ambitious ideas,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and former mayor of New York. “By helping these cities test their ideas over the coming months, we will have a chance to identify cutting-edge policies and programs that can allow cities to rebuild in ways that make them stronger and healthier, and more equal and more just.”
Ultimately, 15 of the finalist cities will be awarded the grand prize, and will receive $1 million each to begin the implementation of their breakthrough ideas.
A complete list of the 50 Champion Cities can be found here. Click through the gallery above to see the 14 U.S. cities that were selected.
