New Rochelle Wins Bloomberg Mayors Challenge

NEW ROCHELLE , NY — The City of New Rochelle won $1 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies U.S. Mayors Challenge. Michael Bloomberg made the announcement Monday, Oct. 29 that the city was one of nine communities that won the yearlong competition that challenged leaders to test inventive ideas that confront problems faced by cities.

New Rochelle was chosen as a winner for its approach to improving citizen engagement through the use of immersive technology — virtual and augmented reality — to clearly present development plans for new buildings and public spaces, a spokeswoman said.

Mayor Noam Bramson said the challenge inspired the city's team to be more creative, entrepreneurial and collaborative.

"Out community will benefit enormously, not only from interactive tools that will help shape the most ambitious growth in our history, but also from the spirit of service and commitment to excellence that has been the hallmark of our interactions with Bloomberg Philanthropies," he said.

The other cities that will be receiving $1 million are Denver, Colorado; Durham, North Carolina; Fort Collins, Colorado; Georgetown, Texas; Huntington, West Virginia; Los Angeles, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and South Bend, Indiana.

Michael Bloomberg said that mayor across the country are tackling the big issues that Washington is ignoring.

"This competition is designed to help them do eve more, by incentivizing and supporting big — and achievable — new ideas," he said.

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Photo credit: Michael Woyton/Patch Staff.