Ghent in the running for one million dollar for proactive services project
Ghent has been selected as one of the 50 finalists of Bloomberg Philanthropies' international 'Mayors Challenge'.
Ghent has been selected as one of the 50 finalists in Bloomberg Philanthropies' international Mayors Challenge. The city will now receive $50.000 to develop a project proposal focusing on proactive service delivery. In January 2026, 25 winning cities will each receive $1 million to implement their projects.
The Mayors Challenge is an international competition that challenges cities to come up with innovative ideas for urban challenges. It is an initiative of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the charity founded by American politician and businessman Michael R. Bloomberg.
The city’s entry focuses on proactive services. Residents entitled for social benefits receive them automatically, without needing to apply or provide proof. This approach is already in place for vulnerable residents in Ghent, who automatically receive benefits such as free garbage bags, reduced rates for childcare and a culture card at reduced rate. The City would like to expand its proactive services offer together with its digital partner District09.
With this idea, Ghent was chosen as one of the 50 finalists from over 630 submissions. The City will receive $50.000 to further refine and develop the project. In July, a small city delegation will join other finalists at a workshop in Colombia. In January 2026, 25 winning cities will each be awarded $1 million to implement their projects.
It still happens far too often that the most vulnerable residents miss out on the social support they're entitled to. In Ghent, we're already working hard on proactive services to combat this. With the funding from this competition, we could accelerate that process even further.
As a government, we have access to a wealth of data. By using it smartly, we reduce redundant administration and offer Ghent residents the support they need, faster and more efficiently. This is how Ghent leads the way with innovative and personalized public services.