The Commonwealth Local Government Forum is delighted to share the exciting news that 12 of the 50 finalists selected for the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge are from Commonwealth countries. This represents an impressive 24% of the total cohort.

Originality and impact

The 50 finalists were chosen from more than 630 applications, from cities in 33 countries, and representing over 80 million residents. Selected on the basis of their originality, potential for impact, and credible vision for delivery, the proposals sought to increase public transit ridership, lower household energy costs, expand urban green space, speed service response, strengthen sanitation, improve youth safety, safeguard water supply, and more.

Next steps for the finalists

Each finalist city will receive $50,000 to prototype their idea. They will also participate in the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp in July to hone and test their concepts with feedback from experts and fellow peers. In January 2026, the 25 city halls with the most promising ideas will each be awarded $1 million and operational assistance to bring their proposals to life.

The full list of 50 finalists published by Bloomberg Philanthropies recognises cities that have proposed bold and innovative ideas to strengthen essential public services and improve the lives of their residents.

The Commonwealth finalists include:

• Beira, Mozambique
• Belfast, United Kingdom
• Benin City, Nigeria
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Choma, Zambia
• Ghaziabad, India
• Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, India
• Kanifing, Gambia
• Lower Hutt, New Zealand
• Ndola, Zambia
• Sialkot, Pakistan
• Toronto, Canada

The finalist cities exemplify the ingenuity and determination of local governments across the Commonwealth to drive change and deliver results for their communities. From climate resilience to inclusive service delivery and digital innovation, the breadth of proposals highlights the diverse strengths of our member cities.

Important role of local government

James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation programme at Bloomberg Philanthropies, said: “Local government is where people meet policy - and where government improves lives and builds trust.” He continued: “That’s why municipal innovation isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about solving hard problems under pressure, often with imperfect tools and finite resources.

CLGF Secretary-General Lucy Slack said: “CLGF is a staunch believer in the importance of partnerships and has been extremely proud to collaborate with Bloomberg Philanthropies during the early stages of the Challenge to support outreach efforts. We look forward to continuing our partnership as the programme progresses.”

She added: "As these cities move into the next phase of the Challenge, we are excited to follow their journeys and help amplify their stories of innovation and impact across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Further information

COMMONWEALTH SUSTAINABLE CITIES NETWORK

Find out more about the work of CLGF's CSCN which brings together Commonwealth mayors and managers to support cities and human settlements in responding to the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation. Specifically, the network is working towards supporting the CLGF membership and actors more broadly in advancing the New Urban Agenda and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 (make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable), through improved policies; global, commonwealth, regional and national advocacy; exchange of experience, city to city partnerships; shared learning; targeted programmes; and strengthened city leadership.

BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organisation focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion.