We’re in 100 Cities!
Meet the Newest Cities to Commit to What Works
Today, we are so proud to announce that, with the addition of five new cities, we have reached our goal of working with 100 U.S. cities!
Bloomberg Philanthropies launched What Works Cities in 2015 to help cities with populations between 100,000 and 1 million utilize data- and evidence-based practices to effectively deliver local services and improve residents’ lives. Today, our 100 city partners collectively represent more than 31 million residents across 39 states and have annual budgets exceeding $104 billion.
Over the last three years, we’ve seen cities improve public safety, revitalize neighborhoods, increase opportunities for minority-owned businesses and at-risk youth, and work toward tackling other pressing challenges. And by coming together to learn from one another, our cities are accelerating their progress, together.
The future of what works is becoming a reality today in cities across the nation, and we’re thrilled to introduce you to the five newest cities to commit to this important and timely work.
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia will establish a data governance team and develop an open data policy to advance strategic priorities, starting with repairs and improvements to the local stormwater system.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids will implement randomized control trials to increase the effectiveness of its programs and initiatives, and also support its equity and quality-of-life goals through governance aligned to the development of data sets and an open data portal to advance strategic priorities.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu will draw on data-driven strategies to address local priorities, starting with affordable housing and homelessness.
Irving, Texas
Irving will use data to support its goals of improving quality of life in neighborhoods.
Long Beach, California
Long Beach will invest in its data management and performance analytics infrastructure to improve outcomes for businesses looking to settle or grow in the city.
To learn more about the accomplishments of participating cities, check out our report “What Works Cities: How Local Governments Are Changing Lives.” View a full list of participating cities here.
