Growing Innovation in Mid-Sized Cities to Build Resilience
Summary
In 2024, Leading Cities and its partners committed to deploy 100 innovative solutions to as many as 100 cities and engage 600 entrepreneurs through the “Bridge to Resiliency” program by 2030 to revolutionize local governments’ ability to contribute to global climate action goals. The Bridge to Resiliency program will source, vet, and connect underserved cities with innovative solutions for climate adaptation, mitigation, energy resilience, and infrastructure development. It will also provide access to a network of international experts that continually vet new solutions and ensure their applicability and effectiveness in mid-sized urban settings. This multifaceted approach will help address local governments’ lack of awareness of what solutions exist, understanding of tailor-made solutions, and general financial capacity for innovation. Cities will be selected based on their fit to the focus and topic of a particular cohort. As part of an intimate group of colleagues with similar objectives , municipal leaders of small to mid-sized cities will help their constituencies embark on their own journeys to resilience through this specialized, hands-on program to overcome risk and empower change to meet climate action goals.
Approach
Leading Cities and its partners commit to deploy 100 innovative solutions in as many as 100 cities, engaging 600 entrepreneurs, and connecting small- to mid-sized cities with innovative solutions for climate adaptation, mitigation, and infrastructure resilience. Unlike the existing competition models, where solutions or pilots are predetermined and may not always align perfectly with a city’s most pressing needs, the “Bridge to Resiliency” aims to develop a more integrated and needs-based approach. This program will create a dynamic database of city challenges and potential solutions, using advanced matching algorithms to pair cities with innovations that address their specific situations. Solutions will range from big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain and beyond, and will focus on water, waste, agriculture, tourism, smart governance, renewable energy, and other challenges cities face from climate change. Leveraging its existing database of over 3,000 already vetted solutions from more than 80 countries, Leading Cities will provide diverse options for small and mid-sized cities. Additionally, 500 new solutions will be sourced and vetted annually. Extensive support, including alternative financing models, will expedite project funding and delivery, ensuring scalability across regions.
Cities will be selected based on the fit to the focus of a particular cohort. With small groups of 5 cities on their own local journey towards resilience, but as part of an intimate group of colleagues on similar journeys, the specialized, hands-on program will help municipal leaders to overcome risk and empower change.
Action Plan
In 2025, Leading Cities will launch the “Bridge to Resiliency” program, beginning with a focused pilot phase that establishes a foundational framework and integrates a multi-year Humanitarian Track into the already-existing QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, which leverages an accelerator model to support startups in developing solutions that address urban challenges. AcceliGOV offers cities the opportunity to apply for pre-paid pilots. In contrast, the “Bridge to Resiliency” program will significantly broaden the scope of these programs by not only focusing on specific urban resilience challenges, but also providing a more tailored and strategic approach to matching these challenges with innovative solutions, providing financing when local governments are unable to financially cover the increase in disasters and storms.
By early 2025, a select group of small and mid-sized cities (approximately 5 per cohort) will be selected to define their needs, to ensure that the solutions are highly customized and directly address the unique challenges faced by each city, and begin implementing vetted innovations. Pilot projects will test the solutions’ effectiveness in real-world settings, with selection criteria based on infrastructure needs, climate impact vulnerability, and readiness for new technologies. Leading Cities will ultimately work with 20 cities per year (5 per quarter) , for 5 years for a total of 100 cities.
From 2026 to 2027, comprehensive impact assessments of these pilot projects will be conducted. The findings will guide necessary adjustments and enhancements, paving the way for expanding the program to more cities and innovations in subsequent years.
From 2027 to 2030, Leading Cities will integrate effective resilience solutions in as many as 100 communities, contributing to a 40% reduction in GHG emissions and transforming the global resilience landscape
Background
Small-to-mid-sized cities are underserved globally and often the most vulnerable when it comes to sudden societal shocks resulting from climate events or other disasters. An increase in the intensity of severe weather events such as wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes put all communities at risk, however small and mid-sized cities that are under-resourced and ill-prepared are even more vulnerable as are the underserved communities within them. This creates a downward spiral compounding negative outcomes such as displacement, hunger, disease, access to essential services which can leave the city economically devastated with a long road to recovery.
Cities represent both a major problem and solution to climate change. They consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy (84% of which is non-renewable) and release more than 70% of CO2 emissions, according to UN Habitat. Waste and water management create additional challenges with over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste generated in urban areas, and water becoming increasingly scarce as well as non-potable due to microplastics, pharmaceuticals and other contaminants. According to the United Nations, projections indicate that half of the world’s population will live in water-stressed areas by 2025. Local governments have the urgent need to address these threats and limit further global warming. Small to mid-sized cities are best positioned to drive the transition we need to a more resilient and sustainable future.
Progress Update
Partnership Opportunities
Leveraging support from the Clinton Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative, Leading Cities can significantly enhance its offerings to urban centers globally. Access to the Foundation’s vast network of financial resources and experts will support the development of a self-sustaining funding model, essential for the long-term success and scalability of urban projects. Implementing partners from the Foundation’s network may provide invaluable assistance in deploying these projects effectively across cities. Additionally, global media support from these prestigious organizations will elevate the program’s visibility, showcasing city successes, attracting new partners, and drawing interest from startups and financiers worldwide, thus fostering a vibrant, collaborative ecosystem for urban innovation., Leading Cities is committed to enhancing urban resilience by offering a comprehensive suite of resources. Cities will have access to best practices for effective management and resilience building. Financial resources will ensure that cities can initiate and sustain innovative projects, while implementing partners will provide hands-on support and expertise to facilitate project execution. Additionally, cities will benefit from media support to amplify their success stories and increase public engagement. Leading Cities will also provide specialized topic expertise, offering targeted advice to address specific challenges. This holistic support system equips cities with the tools needed to thrive in a complex global landscape.