The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation already runs the Knight News Challenge and the Knight Arts Challenge. On Tuesday, the foundation announced a new initiative: the Knight Cities Challenge.
The Knight Cities Challenge will seek new ideas that make the 26 communities where Knight invests more vibrant places to live and work — and these include Miami and Palm Beach County. The Challenge is offering $15 million over the next three years — $5 million this year — for innovative projects that answer the question: What’s your best idea to make cities more successful?
The Cities Challenge launches Oct. 1 at knightcities.org, with applications being accepted until Nov. 14, and is open to entrepreneurs, architects, activists, artists, city planners, students, educators, government officials and organizations.
“We are looking for ideas from innovators who will take hold of the future of our cities,” said Carol Coletta, Knight Foundation vice president for community and national initiatives, adding that entries should support at least one of its "key drivers of city success" — attracting and retaining talent, expanding economic opportunity, and creating a culture of civic engagement.
Knight Foundation will host Community Q&A sessions starting in October. Check its blog and follow on Twitter @knightfdn #knightcities for scheduling updates.