The 2025 Challenge - Global Mayors Challenge
The 2025 Global Mayors Challenge
Helping cities reimagine a core resident-facing service
Applications must focus on a "core city service," which we define as citywide, resident-facing, and that falls under municipal authority.
Bloomberg Philanthropies and its advisory council will select 25 winners based on three key criteria:
- Novelty
- Potential for impact
- Ability to deliver
In most cities, core city services include many of the following:
Public transportation
Public education
Public safety
Public libraries, parks, & recreation
Healthcare
Social services
Internet connectivity
Housing and shelter
Clean water, air, & infrastructure
Waste management and sanitation
Energy use
Economic and workforce development
The 2025 Competition Overview
Application Phase
Oct - Dec 2024
Cities apply to the Global Mayors Challenge by submitting a well thought through and novel idea for significantly improving a “core city service."
From Good to Great
Apr - Oct 2025
50 cities are selected as finalists and participate in design, prototyping, and implementation coaching. They receive $50,000 to strengthen their idea.
Winning Cities Phase
Oct 2025 - Dec 2027
25 cities are selected from the finalist pool as winners and receive $1 million in funding, dedicated project staff, and robust implementation support to launch their idea.
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March 2025 |
50 finalists announced The 50 cities with the best ideas will advance in the competition. |
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April - July 2025 |
Take your idea from good to great 50 finalists will receive piloting funds and expert coaching to improve their ideas, starting with an in-person gathering — the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ prestigious Ideas Camp — to launch the work.
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July 2025 |
Resubmit your proposal Finalists resubmit their improved ideas. |
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October 2025 |
Winners announced 25 winning cities will receive $1M each in prize money, dedicated project staff, and dedicated coaching support. |
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January 2026 - December 2027 |
Bring your idea to life Winning cities receive expert support to implement their ideas at scale. |