The city’s innovative approach to addressing water scarcity could improve quality of life for residents.

On June 25, 2025, Cuenca, Ecuador, was announced as one of the 50 finalists for the prestigious Mayors Challenge 2025, an international competition run by Bloomberg Philanthropies. This marks a significant achievement for the city, known for its leadership in South America’s Quality of Life Index.

Out of 360 global submissions, Cuenca’s innovative proposal for tackling water scarcity stood out. This initiative seeks to improve access to sustainable water usage by providing a mobile app with real-time water consumption data, offering conservation tips, and promoting education within schools on water conservation techniques.

The selection of Cuenca was based on the originality and potential impact of the idea, alongside a realistic vision for implementation, as confirmed by the Bloomberg Philanthropies organization.

A Competitive Global Field

The Mayors Challenge 2025 aims to highlight and support local government efforts to solve urban challenges, with past competitions focusing on issues such as public transportation, waste management, and housing. The global competition received over 630 applications, from which 50 finalists were selected, representing a diverse array of cities from 33 countries, covering more than 80 million residents.

In addition to Cuenca, cities from regions such as South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Nigeria, and New Zealand also made the finalist list. Each of these cities is addressing critical issues, from improving public transit ridership to strengthening sanitation and protecting vital resources like water.

Innovation in Local Government

James Anderson, Director of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Government Innovation Program, spoke about the significance of local government initiatives in fostering real change. “Local government is where people connect with policy, and where government improves lives and builds trust,” Anderson noted. “Municipal innovation is not about grand gestures, but about solving complex problems under pressure, often with imperfect tools and limited resources.”

What’s Next for Cuenca?

As a finalist, Cuenca is poised to receive $50,000 to prototype its idea. The city will also participate in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Idea Camp in July, where the proposal will undergo further development with guidance from experts and fellow competitors.

In early 2026, the 25 most promising finalists will be awarded $1 million each, along with operational assistance, to help turn their ideas into reality. For Cuenca, this could mark the beginning of a significant leap in sustainable urban development, addressing a growing concern for water resources in the region.

Cuenca’s inclusion in the 2025 Mayors Challenge not only reflects the city’s innovative spirit but also highlights its potential to lead by example in improving the lives of its residents through sustainable practices.