Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance, including eligibility, time commitment, program expectations, and the application process.
If your question is not addressed here, please contact our team at DataAlliance [at] bloomberg.org (DataAlliance[at]bloomberg[dot]org).
What is the City Data Alliance?
The Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance has worked with more than 80 cities across 12 countries, serving 78 million residents. The program focuses on translating data and AI into action while building lasting internal capacity—supporting cities to address resident-facing problems and improve outcomes related to homelessness, emergency response, and access to essential medications.
What is this interest form for?
This interest form collects basic information from cities that would like to learn more about the City Data Alliance and explore potential participation. Submitting the form does not commit your city to applying or participating in the program.
Who should complete the interest form?
Anyone from the city may complete the form, including staff from data, policy, or service delivery teams. We ask that submissions be made with awareness from the Mayor’s Office (and City Manager’s Office, where applicable). Only one interest form per city is needed.
Does submitting this form mean our city is applying?
No. This is an early step to express interest and share basic information. Cities that submit the form will receive follow-up information about next steps in the application process.
Do we need to have a fully defined project to express interest?
No. Cities do not need a fully formed project or solution at this stage. However, by the time of application, cities should have a clearly articulated resident-facing problem they are prepared to explore through data-informed approaches.
What happens after we submit the interest form?
After reviewing submissions, the City Data Alliance team may follow up to share additional information, if needed. All cities that submit the interest form will receive guidance on timing and the application process as next phases are confirmed.
Is this a grant or does it include funding?
No. The City Data Alliance does not provide direct funding, staff, or fellows. Instead, the program offers coaching, expert support, structured learning, and peer exchange to help cities design, test, and strengthen their own solutions.
Do cities need advanced data or AI capabilities to participate?
Cities do not need to be advanced users of AI, but they must have strong data foundations in place. Participating cities should have access to relevant data, staff with data science and analytical experience, and the capacity to actively test, analyze, and act on findings during the program period.
How much time does participation require?
At the interest and application stage, the time commitment is minimal. If selected, cities should expect a small core team to engage regularly, with periodic involvement from senior leadership. Details about team formation, roles, and expected time commitment can be found in the information booklet here.
How are cities selected?
Cities are selected based on alignment with the program, leadership support, and readiness to engage in hands-on work. Participating cities should have a core team with decision-making authority that can clearly scope a resident-facing problem.
When will cities be selected?
All selected cities will be notified once the review process is complete. Notifications are anticipated in May 2026. Cities that submit an interest form will receive updates as next steps are finalized.