New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's charity will give $5 million to one city that comes up with a groundbreaking idea for change.
Pittsburgh is among the 1,300 U.S. cities with a population of 30,000 or more eligible for the prize, or one of four $1 million awards.
Other eligible cities include Penn Hills, Bethel Park and Mt. Lebanon.
To win, cities must submit an innovative idea that would "improve
city life by addressing a major social or economic issue, improving the
customer service experience for citizens or businesses, increasing
government efficiency and/or enhancing accountability, transparency and
public engagement," according to a statement from Bloomberg
Philanthropies this morning.Pittsburgh officials said they were excited to participate in the challenge.
"Pittsburgh is a city of innovation," said Joanna Doven, spokeswoman for Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. "We're thrilled to have been picked for this competition, and we thank Mayor Bloomberg for thinking of Pittsburgh."
Doven speculated that Pittsburgh would create a private-public partnership that includes residents to come up with ideas.
Bloomberg has donated more than $2.4 billion to causes aimed at impacting communities through programs centered on health, sustainability, literacy, social welfare and the arts, according to his website. Bloomberg Philanthropies donated $330 million worldwide last year.
City Councilman Bill Peduto said he hopes the city will look to residents and businesses, rather than government officials, to devise a plan for the competition.
"City government doesn't need to create it. We just need to enable it," he said.
For more information check out The Pittsburgh Tribune.
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