Government Innovation

Improving the way city governments work by driving innovation

For the first time in history, more than half of the world’s population now lives in cities. Thus, city governments currently face society’s most pressing and complex problems, yet often lack the support and resources they need to solve them. The Government Innovation team’s mission: fill that void by helping cities bring bold ideas to life and spread proven solutions to cities around the world. Bloomberg Philanthropies believes that, although city governments face a heavy burden, cities also have the unique power to bring the type of real, impactful change that will make a difference in people’s lives for generations.

Supporting City Leaders

Mayors and local leaders are on the front lines. More than any other elected officials, they have the power to bring about real change and to solve many of society’s biggest problems. They’re also often confronted by challenges outside their control. Those constraints come in many forms, but whether financial, societal, or governmental, the Government Innovation team’s goal is to help city officials to overcome whatever roadblocks they encounter by working with them to implement a flexible, innovative approach to governing and, by providing them with the resources and support they need, to improve people’s lives and make their cities stronger for years to come.

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Spurring Innovation in Cities

Solutions to many of the greatest challenges we face can be found in cities. Local governments are uniquely positioned to bring about change and get things done, but they also face unprecedented challenges. Some of those challenges are within their control, while others are not — but no matter what they face, creativity, flexibility, and innovation hold the key to unlocking the full potential of their cities.

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