Title
Bloomberg Philanthropies 2021 Global Mayors Challenge Application
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2021 Global Mayors Challenge. Further request to authorize the City Treasurer accept all funds related to this item. If awarded, the City would receive $1 million in funding.
Report
Summary
The Bloomberg Philanthropies 2021 Global Mayors Challenge invites cities across the world to think big and uncover innovative solutions to today's most pressing problems.
The application deadline is March 21, 2021. In the spring, 50 Champion Cities will be identified to test and refine their ideas. 2021 Mayors Challenge winners will be announced later this year, with 15 cities being awarded $1 million to develop, implement, scale and share their winning ideas.
In 2017, Phoenix was one of 35 Champion Cities (from 320 applicant cities) awarded $100,000 to test and implement solutions to the most pressing issues facing cities. Phoenix and its partners at Arizona State University continue to develop and implement its solution to the threat of rising urban temperatures, HeatReadyPHX.
Phoenix is focusing the 2021 application on a solution to workforce development challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. In the past year, the city has experienced an increase of 311 percent in the number of dislocated workers who are ready to return to the workforce. Employers are experiencing challenges connecting to these candidates, who may lack access to transportation and technology. The interdepartmental team is currently working with Bloomberg Philanthropies to identify and refine innovative solutions that are unique, measurable and replicable in other cities.
Financial Impact
If awarded, the City would receive $1 million in funding.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the City Manager's Office.