"In hard times like 2020, we should make sure we find ways to offset their pain and hurt" -- Mayor Randall Woodfin, Birmingham, Alabama.

COVID-19 cases are up in more than 40 states, and hit record levels in 16 states this week. We can't get through this crisis by passing the blame or pretending that it will somehow just go away. We need real leaders to step up -- and lift up their communities.

Despite the lack of a national plan, there are leaders taking action all across America -- one of the most powerful examples is Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama. When the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 hit his city, he knew that residents would be counting on their local government: "they need to see us every day, throwing a different solution at all of these challenges."

This is what real leadership looks like. Watch our A City Responds video to see more:

In Birmingham, Mayor Woodfin launched a program to address both the economic fallout and the public health challenges of COVID-19 -- not only solving immediate problems, but also providing hope for better days ahead. That's the kind of leadership that is happening in cities and towns all across the country and around the world -- and that Bloomberg Philanthropies is proud to support.

Check out our A City Responds playlist to see how Mayor Woodfin and other local leaders are stepping up to help their communities →

Thanks,

Bloomberg Philanthropies