Title
Authorization to Apply for the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2017 Mayors Challenge (Ordinance S-43962)
Description
This report requests authorization for the City Manager to apply, accept, and if awarded, to enter into an agreement for the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2017 Mayors Challenge Grant. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept and the City Controller to disburse the funds for purposes of this ordinance.
Report
Summary
The Bloomberg Philanthropies 2017 Mayors Challenge invites cities across the United States to think big and uncover innovative solutions to today's most pressing problems. Bloomberg Philanthropies is offering $17.5 million in grants and technical assistance to cities as part of the initiative. In 2013, five cities in the United States were awarded funding, with Providence, Rhode Island securing the grand prize.
The City's application will take on the problem of urban heat and its disproportionate impact on low-income neighborhoods in Phoenix. Increasing urban heat is a serious threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations, and threatens the long-term viability of the City and quality of life for its residents. Research conducted by Arizona State University shows a significant disparity on how Phoenix residents experience heat depending on where in the City they live. This Mayors Challenge application will focus on using data, community engagement and emerging technologies to create a first-ever "Heat-Ready City" certification, in consultation with first responders, public health experts, social service providers, climate scientists, and others. If funded, the City would establish the certification and then demonstrate it in practice in one or more areas of the City that are the most heat-stressed.
The application deadline is Oct. 20, 2017. In early 2018, 35 Champion Cities will be awarded up to $100,000 each to test and refine their ideas. 2017 Mayors Challenge winners will be announced in October 2018. The grand prize city will be awarded $5 million, and four other cities will receive $1 million each to bring their ideas to life.
On Sept. 6, 2017, the City participated in a day-long pre-application workshop led by Bloomberg Philanthropies to explore the most pressing issues facing our City. Participants included City executives and staff, non-profit partners, and representatives from Arizona State University.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was recommended for City Council approval by the Sustainability, Housing, Efficiency and Neighborhoods Subcommittee on Sept. 19, 2017, by a vote of 4-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Office of Sustainability.