As UCLG-MEWA, we would kindly like to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Global Mayors Competition, led by Bloomberg Philanthropies. As one of the partners of the UCLG World Organization, Bloomberg Philanthropies has launched the largest-ever Mayors Challenge competition, calling on cities to band together with residents to reimagine their most indispensable municipal services. The sixth competition will identify the boldest and strongest submissions from around the world and award 25 municipalities of 100,000 residents or more with $1 million each and operational support to implement their winning idea.
Proposals must focus on a “core city service,” which is defined as citywide, resident-facing, and that falls under the municipality’s authority. These include public transportation; public education; public safety; public libraries, parks, and recreation; healthcare; social services; internet connectivity; housing and shelter; clean water, air, and infrastructure; waste management and sanitation; economic and workforce development; and energy use. Bloomberg Philanthropies and its advisory council will select 25 winners based on three key criteria: novelty, potential for impact, and ability to deliver.
Applications are open until 20 December 2024, at 23:59 ET. Cities will have access to support designed to guide them through the application process, including workshops, toolkits, and office hours. More information is available on the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ website.
We would also like to inform you that, as a network partner of Bloomberg Philanthropies, UCLG encourages its eligible members to participate in the Mayors Challenge to demonstrate that it is through local governments that we inspire trust, improve lives, and move the world forward from the bottom up.
Last week, UCLG-MEWA organized an informative meeting in collaboration with colleagues from the UCLG World Secretariat to provide further details about this exceptional opportunity. For those who could not attend the session, the following resources are available:
If you are interested and need support for your application or have further questions, please feel free to contact programs@uclg.org or ir@uclg-mewa.org