Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Braga and Odivelas are all taking part in a competition that could net one of them a whopping €5 million. Organised by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the prize will go to the town that presents the best “bold new solution to a major urban challenge”.
The competition, named “Mayors Challenge 2013-2014”, describes itself as “an ideas competition for European cities”.
“It exists to bring powerful new ideas to life – not only to help your own city but to encourage others to adopt creative approaches as well,” Bloomberg says.
The councils of Vila Nova de Gaia and Leiria had also signed up for the contest before the local elections of September 2013. However, while Vila Nova de Gaia’s newly-elected council stated it did not find the competition worth participating in, Leiria justified its withdrawal with “lack of time” to develop a project.
The first stage of the competition saw 182 European towns from 29 countries participating, but in April 20 those that have reached the final round will be announced.
Until then, competitors remain on tenterhooks. As Bloomberg says, “winning the prize will require an ambitious vision and bold experimentation.”
