Fifth cycle of premier urban prize recognizes transformative projects that strengthen livability and nature in urban places.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 25, 2025) —WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is calling on urban innovators worldwide to apply for the fifth cycle of its prestigious WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities, a global $250,000-competition celebrating and spotlighting trailblazing projects and initiatives for their contribution to inclusive and sustainable urban transformation.
As urbanization rapidly expands, cities face increasing pressure on infrastructure, food and basic services. To create thriving communities, innovative solutions are crucial. Under the 2025-2026 theme, “Catalyzing Healthy Cities,” WRI seeks pioneering projects that demonstrate how cities can improve livability, nature and sustainability, turning them into more resilient, inclusive, low-carbon places for people and the planet.
An independent jury of leading urban thinkers will select one grand prize winner in early 2026 from five finalists based on their impact on communities and institutions, as well as the innovation and scalability of their ideas. The grand prize winner will receive $250,000, with finalists receiving $25,000 each. Submissions will close May 28, 2025, at midnight EST.
“As home to more than half the world’s population, cities have an outsized role in securing a healthy future for billions of people,” said Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO of WRI. “Escalating climate impacts and increasing inequality are straining economic development and diminishing quality of life worldwide. By showcasing the urban innovators who are successfully tackling these intersecting challenges, the Prize serves as a powerful driving force for knowledge-sharing and learning, accelerating positive change for people, nature and climate.”
WRI welcomes project submissions from organizations that have demonstrated a tangible impact in creating vibrant, healthy communities and enhancing urban livability. Eligible initiatives range from cycling and electric mobility to zero-carbon buildings, urban natural areas restoration, and beyond. Businesses, NGOs, community groups, local governments, individuals and collaborations of all types may apply.
“There are many pathways to healthy cities,” said Rogier van den Berg, Global Director for WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. “We are looking for thoughtful, human-scale solutions — projects designed around people’s daily experiences and well-being — that show how nature and cities can thrive together. As cities worldwide are rising to meet challenges, they can influence change far beyond their own streets.”
Past grand prize winners of the WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities have shown how cities can transform for the better. Re-Ciclo (2023-2024) tackled challenges in solid waste management in Fortaleza, Brasil, by integrating electric mobility and improving conditions for informal workers. Todos Al Parque (2021-2022), expanded from an inclusive green space project in Barranquilla, Colombia, into a city-wide effort revitalizing public health and the local economy. Sustainable Food Production for a Resilient Rosario (2020-2021) improved food security in Argentina by repurposing public and private peri-urban land for urban agriculture. The inaugural winner, School Area Road Safety and Improvements (SARSAI) (2019), created a highly impactful and replicable approach to creating safer journeys to school for children in Dar es Salaam and other African cities.
“Cities are engines for innovation and are crucial to improving the quality of life and health of billions of people around the world,” said Jen Shin, Global Lead for the WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities. “When challenges arise, so do the smartest ideas. The Prize is a benchmark for hope in what is possible in the urban arena, awarding bold thinkers and transformative change-makers.”
To learn more about the WRI Ross Prize for Cities, submit your project and explore previous winners, visit prizeforcities.org.
About World Resources Institute
WRI works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.
About WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is World Resources Institute’s program dedicated to shaping a future where cities work better for everyone. Together with partners around the world, we help create resilient, inclusive, low-carbon places that are better for people and the planet. Our network of more than 500 experts working from Brazil, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, the Netherlands, Mexico, Turkey and the United States combine research excellence with on-the-ground impact to make cities around the world better places to live. More information at wri.org/cities or on X @WRIRossCities.
