Tulsa One Of Eight Cities To Win Bloomberg Foundation Contest

Eight cities from Tulsa to Seattle are the first winners in a $42 million, 100-city data-use contest sponsored by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's foundation.

Bloomberg Philanthropies announced the first winners Wednesday in its "What Works Cities" initiative. Other cities include Chattanooga, Tennessee; Kansas City, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Mesa, Arizona; and New Orleans.

Bloomberg Philanthropies news release

In the news release, it says Tulsa selected a plan to improve their use of data and evidence in the following ways:

• Strengthen existing open data practices
• Implement a citywide, mayoral led performance management program

“We are excited about the opportunity to show our public commitment to open data and delve deeper internally to make more data from every City department available and accessible to all,” Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett said.

“Our hope is to not only expand upon our open data and transparency efforts, but use data to ensure resources are being allocated in line with citizen priorities and the best services possible are being delivered to Tulsans.”

The What Works Cities initiative capitalizes on Bloomberg Philanthropies’ belief in the importance of data and evidence to improve people’s lives and make government more effective. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.