Cities compete for $1m innovation funding boost

Fifty cities have been named finalists in the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, a global competition supporting innovative, data-driven solutions to major urban challenges.

Selected from over 630 applications across 33 countries, each city will receive US$50,000 to prototype its idea and participate in an intensive development programme. In January 2026, 25 of the most promising proposals will be awarded US$1 million each to support full-scale implementation.

“This year’s Mayors Challenge finalists reflect a new standard for public sector achievement: ambitious, yes, but also grounded, disciplined, and ripe for real impact,” said James Anderson (pictured), who leads the Government Innovation programme at Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Several of the shortlisted cities are focusing on the role of technology and mobility in strengthening urban systems. Detroit has proposed a single-entry digital platform that consolidates fragmented property information–such as inspection records, taxes and utilities–into one publicly accessible interface.

“We will work with renowned experts and peers to advance our proposal to create a powerful, single entry that connects currently scattered information,” said Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit. “We will revolutionise how owners can access this vital information, as well as how our city plans and provides its most essential services.”

South Bend is integrating artificial intelligence into its 311 non-emergency service. The city’s concept involves using predictive analytics to anticipate and resolve infrastructure issues–such as potholes or streetlight failures–before residents report them.

“Their proposals reflect a new standard for public sector achievement,” said Anderson. “They’re not just thinking creatively–they’re designing solutions that reckon with the complexity of implementation and the urgency of their residents’ needs.”

Other finalists include:

• Belfast has been recognised for a proposal to enhance its night-time economy through integrated mobility and public safety upgrades. The plan uses data to identify gaps in transport services and inform infrastructure improvements aimed at making the city centre more accessible and inclusive during late hours.
• Toronto is advancing a digital initiative designed to streamline access to municipal programmes and public transit for underserved communities. The project aims to close service gaps using targeted technology and improve outcomes for residents who often face multiple barriers to access.
• Honolulu is applying AI and mapping tools to improve student travel routes, with the aim of boosting school attendance and reducing transit-related friction.
• Seattle and San Francisco are exploring data-informed approaches to reduce congestion and enhance real-time responsiveness across their transport networks.
• And Boston is piloting systems that capture live resident feedback to accelerate service adjustments and improve delivery across departments.

The 50 cities will attend Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp in July, where they will refine their proposals alongside peers and experts from across the world. The competition, now in its sixth round, is part of Bloomberg’s broader effort to scale locally driven solutions across its global Cities Idea Exchange.

Image: Bloomberg Philanthropies