The Thriving Cities Challenge is an incentive competition led by the Salazar Center for North American Conservation. The competition focuses on finding innovative nature-based solutions that improve the equity, health, and resilience of urban communities in North America. The competition invites teams who meet the eligibility criteria to apply.
Will you join the inaugural Thriving Cities Challenge?
The Thriving Cities Challenge is the first of its kind to be offered by the Salazar Center, and its second annual Conservation Impact Prize.
The Center’s first incentive challenge, the Connectivity Challenge, was focused on large landscape connectivity and its benefits for habitats and communities alike. We received nearly 50 applications from teams whose work represented a range of conservation efforts across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In September 2020, Borderlands Restoration Network won $100,000 for their innovative proposal to conserve agaves, increase agricultural sustainability, and protect bats in the US-Mexico borderlands. Learn more about the Connectivity Challenge here.
In 2021, the Salazar Center seeks to invest in urban dwellers who are working to realize transformational change in their communities. With a focus on advancing and amplifying racial equity and BIPOC leadership in North American cities, the Thriving Cities Challenge will support projects that use nature-based solutions to achieve climate resilience and community health outcomes. We want to know what you are doing in your hometown—and how we can help.
The Thriving Cities Challenge has been developed with the support of a diverse advisory committee comprising thought leaders from across sectors. Advisory members include Ronda Chapman, The Trust for Public Land; Happy Haynes Executive Director Parks and Recreation, City and County of Denver; Bruce Stein, National Wildlife Federation; Kristin Baja, Urban Sustainability Directors Network; Sarita Turner, Institute for Sustainable Communities; Lois DeBacker, Kresge Foundation; Laurie Mazur, Island Press; Steve Whitney, Bullitt Foundation; Benita Hussain, Independent; and Michael Berkowitz, Resilient Cities Catalyst.
About the Center
The Salazar Center for North American Conservation at Colorado State University works to support and advance the health and connectivity of the natural systems and landscapes of North America—be they urban or rural; working or wildlands; public or private. The Center brings together thought leaders, resources, and diverse perspectives to inform an intersectional approach to conservation challenges, building bridges that connect academic research, community practice, and policy development. Visit our website.