John,

When we launched the 2021 Global Mayors Challenge -- our annual innovation competition to find and accelerate bold ideas from cities -- we called on mayors and local leaders to show how they met the moment in a year of unprecedented difficulties.

The response was amazing: More than 631 cities in 99 countries -- representing more than 500 million people from all around the world -- brought forward innovative projects to support public health, protect the environment, foster inclusive growth, and strengthen good governance.

Today we're proud to announce our Champion Cities: The 50 finalists who shared the very best ideas from around the world:

https://bloombergcities.jhu.edu/mayors-challenge#champions

Cities have faced the greatest impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating effects it had on people, economies, and communities. They've also been among the most creative problem solvers.

Our champion cities are supporting Black entrepreneurs (Akron, OH), using predictive data to bolster local farmers (Butuan, Philippines), using solar-powered cold storage to reduce food waste and support women entrepreneurs (Rourkela, India), fostering a diverse tech workforce (Louisville, KY) and so much more.

Explore the Champion Cities by topic and read project descriptions on an interactive map.

"These 50 finalists are showing the world that, in the face of the pandemic's enormous challenges, cities are rising to meet them with bold, innovative, and ambitious ideas," said Mike, announcing the Champion Cities.

In the coming months, the Champion Cities will have time to test and refine their projects. From the 50 finalists, 15 projects will each receive $1 million for implementation.

Most importantly, every great idea that surfaces in the Global Mayors Challenge can be shared, to help improve lives around the world. Check out the 50 boldest and most innovative ideas brought forward by our Champion Cities:

https://bloombergcities.jhu.edu/mayors-challenge#champions

Thanks,

Bloomberg Philanthropies