Cities across Europe are already undertaking significant efforts to embrace digital technology to transform public services and better leverage public data to solve problems. Now, Bloomberg Philanthropies wants to help European cities consolidate their digital leadership and share lessons learned with cities across the rest of the world.
“Technology is making it easier for local governments to anticipate issues, measure results, and respond to residents,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term mayor of New York City.
“Cities across Europe are helping to lead the world in using digital services to solve tough challenges, and this program will help them accelerate their progress.”
It has invited 28 European capital cities to join the initiative. London, Helsinki and Bratislava have already signed on.
Cities participating in the initiative will receive a range of support to advance local efforts, including project support, grants and professional development for positions such as Chief Digital Officer.
“I’m committed to ensuring new digital technologies put people first and address the major problems cities face, including cleaning up our air and tackling the housing crisis,” said London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
“I’m proud to support this new initiative from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which will help London work closely with other European capital cities in developing common solutions to our biggest challenges.”
