First 8 Cities Announced for Bloomberg’s $42 Million Data Initiative

“What Works Cities” aims to help mayors and planners in mid-sized American cities use data to improve residents’ lives.

Jackson, Mississippi, is one of the first eight cities chosen for What Works Cities. (Photo by Natalie Maynor)

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

Bloomberg Philanthropies announced today the first eight cities chosen for What Works Cities, the organization’s new $42 million initiative to help mayors and planners make the most of big data.

As I reported back in April, the goal is eventually to help 100 mid-sized U.S. cities (populations between 100,000 and one million) by boosting open gov in municipalities around the country, writing best practices guidelines and streamlining the use of data as it applies to effective policymaking.

The first eight cities are Chattanooga, Tennessee; Jackson, Mississippi; Kansas City, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Mesa, Arizona; New Orleans; Seattle; and Tulsa. Each will receive local support and education in capitalizing on data to improve resident’s lives. What Works Cities will first review each city’s current use of open data and then design a customized approach mayors can use to address issues such as economic development, public health, job creation and blight.

What Works Cities isn’t Bloomberg Philanthropies’ only data-driven initiative aimed at improving municipal life. Back in June, the organization announced that it would help India Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his mission to turn 100 cities into “smart cities” by 2022. And last year, it announced it would continue working with cities to support the creation of “innovation delivery teams” that use data-driven, results-oriented approaches to solve vexing urban problems.

Bloomberg Philanthropies isn’t alone in this sphere. In June, Google launched its own new urban solutions company, Sidewalk Labs, to develop technology solutions for city challenges.

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Jenn Stanley is a freelance journalist, essayist and independent producer living in Chicago. She has an M.S. from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Follow Jenn .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Tags: big datacity hallopen govbloomberg philanthropies

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1096 other sustainers such as:

  • Gabby at $5/Month
  • Abigail at $10/Month
  • Gloria at $5/Month

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×