Bratislava's modernisation to be supported by Bloomberg Associates, a global philanthropic consultancy

Bratislava signed a contract for free consulting with Bloomberg Associates ↗︎, the consulting division of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the philanthropic organisation that includes all charitable contributions made by its founder, Michael R. Bloomberg, aiming to ensure a better and longer life for the greatest number of people around the world. Launched in 2014, Bloomberg Associates provides selected cities with world-class expertise, completely free of charge, to improve the quality of life for their residents. The objective of the collaboration with Bratislava is to develop the city's strategic projects, including transport, public space and the efficient operation of City Hall and its digitalisation.

Bloomberg Associates has worked with cities such as Paris, Milan and Los Angeles. Bratislava is the first city in our region to benefit from their global experience and the twentieth city worldwide to receive such support since 2014.

"As an architect and activist, I have always admired Mayor Mike Bloomberg and his team in New York City. I've seen firsthand the positive changes they've accomplished together in 12 years, from revitalising public spaces with small interventions to revolutionising sustainable mobility. His administration has delivered a huge amount of positive change that New York continues to develop today. I am proud that Bratislava has also received their support," says Mayor Vallo.

"Bratislava stood out from within our long list of prospective cities and we are pleased to have signed a consulting agreement with Bratislava City Hall," says George Fertitta, CEO of Bloomberg Associates. _"We look forward to working with a dynamic leader, Mayor Vallo, and his talented team at City Hall, which we believe will help achieve our ambitious goals and create lasting positive change for the city and its residents." _ Mike Bloomberg's team bases its decisions on data, using experience from around the world and adapting it to the local context. This globally recognised team of Bloomberg Associates experts will provide Bratislava with unique consulting in nine areas:

Cultural property management Economic Development Management and Communication Media and Digital Strategies Urban Integrity Social Services Sustainability Transport Urban Planning

The consultants will also work closely with expert teams from Bratislava City Hall and the Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava on addressing climate change, using the potential of public spaces and Bratislava's brownfields, and new cycle paths. To ensure that the proposed changes and measures can be made quickly and efficiently, the consultancy also includes further streamlining of City Hall's operations and its digitalisation.

Bratislava already received support from Bloomberg Philanthropies in the past. In 2019, Mayor Vallo took part in the third annual Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative ↗︎ and in 2022 Bratislava received a grant from Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative ↗︎ to improve pedestrian safety throughout the city.