LAFAYETTE NAMED ONE OF 50 GLOBAL FINALISTS IN BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES’ 2025 MAYORS CHALLENGE FOR INNOVATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTION

Lafayette, LA – Lafayette has been named one of just 50 global finalists in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ 2025 Mayors Challenge, an international competition recognizing the boldest and most impactful ideas to improve city life. Selected from more than 630 applications across 33 countries, Lafayette joins an elite group of cities representing more than 80 million residents—and is one of only 11 finalists from the United States.

The Challenge, now in its sixth cycle, uplifts municipal governments that think outside the box to solve pressing public service challenges with creativity, collaboration, and a clear focus on impact. Lafayette’s proposal tackles a costly but often visible issue: aging, privately-owned sewer pipes in old neighborhoods that allow stormwater infiltration. These hidden leaks overwhelm public infrastructure, reduce sewer treatment capacity, and limit opportunities for housing development near the city’s core.

“It is especially powerful to work alongside city teams from around the world—all of us focused on solving problems, helping people, and improving quality of life in our communities. Despite differences in country, wealth, or population, we face many of the same challenges. The greatest of these is often bringing the right people and the right resources together. That’s why collaboration—especially at the local level—is so important. And now, we have the opportunity to collaborate globally,” said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet.  “The Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge recognizes the power of bringing us together for global collaboration. It supports bold, creative ideas that make a real difference in people’s daily lives. We’re proud that Lafayette is one of just 50 finalists selected from more than 630 applicants.”

Lafayette’s plan proposes a public-private partnership with a local nonprofit to identify and repair damaged private sewer laterals—at no cost to property owners. This approach would reduce strain on city systems, delay the need for costly public expansions, and create room for new housing in historically underserved areas. As a finalist, Lafayette will receive $50,000 to prototype the concept and join a global cohort of civic leaders at Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp this July, where cities will test and refine their concepts with feedback from experts and fellow peers. In January 2026, 25 cities will be selected to receive $1 million each in implementation funding and technical support to bring their proposals to life.

The scale and diversity of the Mayors Challenge submissions reflect the wide range of challenges local governments face. While cities in North America focused heavily on housing and infrastructure, others tackled issues like waste management, air quality, and social inclusion. The common thread: an urgent need for inventive, actionable solutions that can be delivered with limited resources.

“Local government is where people meet policy—and where government improves lives and builds trust,” said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “That’s why municipal innovation isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about solving hard problems under pressure, often with imperfect tools and finite resources. These Mayors Challenge finalists stand out because they’re not just thinking creatively—they’re designing solutions that reckon with the complexity of implementation and the urgency of their residents’ needs. Their proposals reflect a new standard for public sector achievement: ambitious, yes, but also grounded, disciplined, and ripe for real impact.”

Lafayette’s recognition by Bloomberg Philanthropies adds to a growing reputation for bold, community-driven leadership. As one of the few small-to-mid-sized U.S. cities in the global top 50, Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet’s forward-thinking approach demonstrates how even modestly-resourced cities can compete—and lead—on the world stage.

To learn more about the 50 finalist proposals, visit mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org.

Photos of previous Mayors Challenge winning solutions, courtesy of Bloomberg Philanthropies, are available for media use here.

###

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.