Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University

Background

The Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University was established in 2021 through a $43 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Its mission is to advance public sector innovation globally by integrating cutting-edge practices with world-class research. The Center aims to transform governmental culture, deliver exceptional results for residents, and inspire trust in public service.

Key Strategic Focus

The Center concentrates on enhancing the capabilities of local governments through five primary practice areas:

Innovation: Utilizing data, human-centered design, and community engagement to address complex challenges.

Digital: Assisting governments in evaluating, improving, and scaling digital practices to implement innovative solutions.

Civic Engagement: Empowering residents to contribute to local solutions and fostering community involvement.

Academic: Bringing research into government operations to identify effective solutions.

Communications, Tools, and Resources: Enhancing storytelling and connections among city leaders worldwide.

These areas are designed to build innovation capacity among public servants and improve public services, policies, and governance.

Financials and Funding

The Center was launched with a $43 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This funding supports fellowships, grants, research collaborations, technical assistance, and training programs aimed at fostering innovation in local governments.

Pipeline Development

Since its inception, the Center has engaged with 216 global cities, implementing programs such as the Public Innovators Network, Cities of Service, i-teams, Youth Climate Action Fund, and Innovation Training. These initiatives aim to build innovation capacity, improve resident outcomes, and promote trust in government.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Center leverages several proprietary methodologies and platforms to drive public sector innovation:

Path to Public Innovation Playbook and Toolkit: A comprehensive guide compiling over a decade of city experiences and best practices for local governments seeking to drive meaningful change.

Public Innovators Network: A community of local government leaders committed to using innovation, data, and collaboration to deliver exceptional public service.

Love Your Block Programs: Mini-grant competitions in U.S. cities to fund community investment projects, fostering resident engagement and neighborhood revitalization.

Leadership Team

Amanda Daflos: Founding Executive Director. Previously served as Los Angeles' first Chief Innovation Officer, where she led initiatives on gender equity and affordable housing.

Beth Blauer: Associate Vice Provost of Data and Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. A key architect of the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center and founding director of the Center for Government Excellence.

Leadership Changes

As of July 2025, the Center is seeking to fill key leadership positions, including Chief Program Excellence Officer, Chief Communications Officer, and Executive Director, indicating a strategic expansion and strengthening of its leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The public sector innovation landscape is characterized by a growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making, digital transformation, and community engagement. Organizations are increasingly investing in research and programs that enhance governmental efficiency and responsiveness.

Competitor Analysis

Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University: Established in 2021 with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, this center focuses on improving public management, leadership, and governance in cities globally. It offers research, training, and resources for city leaders.

Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University: Founded in 2000, it provides education and training in leadership for individuals in government, nonprofits, and business, aiming to prepare students for leadership roles in a rapidly changing world.

IBM Center for The Business of Government: An independent think tank focusing on management issues in the U.S. federal government, offering research, publications, and forums to promote thought leadership in public management.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Center collaborates with various entities to enhance its impact:

Bloomberg Philanthropies: The primary funder, providing financial support and strategic guidance.

Johns Hopkins University: As the host institution, it offers academic resources, research collaboration, and a platform for student engagement.

Global Cities: Partnerships with over 200 cities worldwide to implement innovation programs and share best practices.

Operational Insights

The Center's strategic positioning within Johns Hopkins University and its partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies provide a unique blend of academic rigor and practical application. Its focus on integrating research with real-world implementation distinguishes it from competitors, offering a comprehensive approach to public sector innovation.