Mayor Buttigieg anticipates launch of $17 million contest for U.S. cities

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SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The former New York City mayor is putting up millions to help mayors across the U.S. bypass Washington and address critical issues themselves.

Amid concerns over some of President Trump’s policies in Washington, New York billionaire businessman and politician, Michael Bloomberg is putting his money where those concerns are $17 million to be precise.

This new effort announced Monday is a contest meant to encourage mayors across the country to address critical issues themselves within their own cities.

South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg already has a plan in place. ABC 57’s Andrea Alvarez spoke with him via FaceTime while he’s at a mayor’s conference in Miami.

“What we’re going to do is we’re going to go back with our team and identify some of the main policy challenges where we think resources like this could make a difference,” said South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

35 cities could get $100,000 a piece, four cities will receive $1 million, and a grand prize winner gets $5 million.

Mayor Buttigieg says the majority of the work his team does in South Bend is funded by tax dollars coming from you, the community.

“Of course we turn to the state and federal government for help when we can,” said Buttigieg.

But when opportunities like this arise…

“Private philanthropy can make a big difference, especially when you’re trying to get an idea off the ground,” said Buttigieg.

All American cities with at least 30,000 residents are eligible. South Bend has more than 100,000 residents. The winners will be announced in October 2018. For information on the details of the contest, click here.

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