WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities
Transformative projects,
igniting citywide change.
2025-2026 THEME
CATALYZING
HEALTHY CITIES
With over half of the world’s population living in urban areas, healthy cities are critical for advancing high-quality and sustainable living. This Prize cycle invites submissions from projects leading the way in strengthening livability, nature and cities together for healthy, accessible and thriving communities. $250,000 will be awarded to one grand prize winner and $25,000 each to four runners up.
The WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities recognizes trailblazing projects and initiatives for their contribution to inclusive and sustainable urban transformation. It seeks to inspire urban change-makers across the globe by amplifying lessons and telling impactful stories of transformative change.
Learn more about WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
INSPIRE
a new sense of possibility
DISCOVER
how big changes can start small
GROW
a movement of urban changemakers
CREATE
better cities for all
2025-2026 SUBMISSIONS
334 APPLICANTS 230 CITIES 77 COUNTRIES
TIMELINE
SUBMISSIONS OPEN
25 February
2025
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE
28 May
2025
FINALISTS ANNOUNCEMENT
January
2026
AWARDS SELECTION BY JURY
February
2026
AWARDS CELEBRATION
May
2026
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
MAY 28, 2025 MIDNIGHT EASTERN TIME
Businesses, NGOs, community groups, local governments and collaborations of all types of organizations and individuals from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors may apply.
- Be celebrated on a global stage
- Win a cash prize of $250,000; $25,000 each for four runners-up
- Gain exposure to international media and a world-class jury
- Join a global network of urban experts and changemakers
Please consult Terms and Conditions before applying.
2025-2026 THEME
LAST CYCLE'S WINNERS
PRIZE JURY
The distinguished WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities Jury draws on their unique and diverse experiences and expertise to select the grand prize winner from five finalists through a deliberative process.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Based on their experience in the field, the Advisory Council recommends transformative urban projects to apply.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
News, announcements and posts in WRI’s blog series, Urban Transformations, which spotlights initiatives and lessons learned from the WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities.
