Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced the launch of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ City Data Alliance, which will identify 100 cities from across North and South America and train and guide them to use data to inform their governing. 

With an investment of $60 million from the foundation, the initiative will target cities that are the most sophisticated at using data and have at least 100,000 residents to make policy decisions and propel them to an even higher standard. Mayors will participate in a six-month acceleration program that will include executive education, individualized city coaching and consultation, and a 12-month investment to improve a critical data capacity such as performance management, procurement, evaluation, or data as a service. The first cohort of cities will be announced in spring 2022. 

The City Data Alliance builds on Bloomberg Philanthropies’ more than six years of work with local governments to improve their data practices in service of improving residents’ lives, including efforts such as What Works Cities.

“A growing number of city leaders are using data to drive their decision-making, and as they respond to unprecedented new challenges, expanding this program will help them do it even more effectively,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and former mayor of New York City. “The City Data Alliance will give an international community of forward-thinking leaders even more tools for harnessing the power of data —and improving their residents’ everyday lives.” 

 (Photo Credit: Getty Images/FerreiraSilva)