Six US cities are joining an international alliance to access data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) support.
Austin Texas, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City Missouri and Newport News Virginia are set to join the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance, Bloomberg announced last week.
The program is designed to help local governments of communities with populations of 100,000 or more make the most of technological advancements like AI. It was launched in 2022 with a US$60 million investment.
“These municipalities will show the world how government can be faster, smarter and fair – using data and technology to meet real needs, deliver efficiently and make measurable progress [that] people feel,” said James Anderson, government innovation program head at Bloomberg Philanthropies.
What is the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance?
The Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance works with the most advanced mayors and municipalities across the Americas. It provides executive education and coaching on how to use data and AI to strengthen local government operations, innovate public services and produce better outcomes for residents including improving access to health care, reimagining waste management systems, expanding affordable housing or combatting homelessness.
The suite of supports provided to cities in the City Data Alliance helps mayors and their senior teams deepen their use of data to inform decisions, transform systems, understand impact and communicate results.
US cities join Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance
“Austin has an ambitious aim: to make our city the best place in America to call home,” said Austin mayor Kirk Watson. “By joining the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance, we’ll accelerate our use of analytics, digital and AI to get there – creating the services, spaces and experiences we need to get it done, and putting the policies and practices in place to ensure our city leads the way.”
The Alliance is a perfect fit for Austin’s dynamic tech economy, added city manager T.C. Broadnax. “Accelerating the use of the latest technologies will help create even greater efficiencies in providing vital city services to our diverse populations.”
Imagine a city that fixes problems before residents even have to report them, said mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City. “That's not a pipe dream, it’s the future, one Kansas City will be building as part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance, which will help us reach this vision. Our city hall has long benefited from working with Bloomberg Philanthropies to drive government innovation, and it is an honor to join this international initiative and receive their support to reach further still.”
By joining the City Data Alliance, Newport News is “doubling down” on is commitment to being a “forward-thinking, data-driven city,” said mayor Phillip Jones. “We’re building smarter systems to connect people to the services they need, when they need them – faster, more efficiently and more equitably.”