WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities
Can cities work for
people, nature and climate?
NEW CYCLE LAUNCHED
TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECTS,
CITYWIDE CHANGE
As urban areas expand, climate change, inequality and poor infrastructure are putting new pressure on daily life. Making cities work better for people and the planet will require solutions from every sector and at every scale.
The WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities is a global award for urban transformation. One Grand Prize Winner receives $250,000, and four finalists each receive $25,000.
Since 2018, the Prize has received more than 1,200 submissions across regions, sectors and issue areas. Now in its sixth cycle, the Prize invites submissions from proven projects that bring big ideas to critical urban challenges, deliver life-changing impact and create far-ranging ripple effects.
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
TIMELINE
SUBMISSIONS OPEN
30 September
2026
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE
13 January
2027
FINALISTS ANNOUNCEMENT
September
2027
AWARDS CELEBRATION
February
2028
APPLY BY
JANUARY 13, 2027 11:59 P.M. EASTERN TIME
Businesses, NGOs, community groups, local governments, individuals and collaborations from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors may apply.
- Be recognized on a global stage
- Receive $250,000 as the Grand Prize Winner or $25,000 as one of four finalists
- Gain exposure to international media and a world-class jury
- Join a global network of urban experts and changemakers
Please consult the Terms and Conditions before applying.
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.
