Launched today by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Mayors Challenge will award $9 million in prizes as a down payment on urban innovation, reports Ariel Schwartz.
Open to any U.S. city with over 30,000 people (that's 1,300 cities for those counting), the Mayors Challenge was created to "celebrate the creative problem solving and incredible innovation that is happening in city halls from coast to coast," with the winning idea awarded $5 million.
According to Schwartz, "The challenge...asks city governments to come up with ideas that improve city government and the local population by addressing social and economic problems, improving customer service for businesses and residents, enhancing accountability to and engagement with the public, or make government work better, faster, and cheaper."
Selection of the initial round of 20 finalists, who will be invited to attend Bloomberg Ideas Camp, "a two-day gathering to help cities refine their projects," will be based on four criteria: "outlining the process of coming up with an idea, planning for it, achieving impact, and providing evidence that replication in other cities is possible."
Cities interested in applying are required to RSVP by July 16th, 2012.
FULL STORY: Bloomberg Offers A Cash-Fueled Challenge For Cities To Solve Major Problems

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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