The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has announced the names of the 144 finalists in the 2017 edition of the Knight Cities Challenge, a nationwide call for innovative ideas aimed at transforming the organizations? 26 member communities into more vibrant places to live and work. Open to innovators and designers from any field, the challenge requested submissions that responded to a simple prompt: What?s your best idea to make cities more successful"

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has announced the names of the 144 finalists in the 2017 edition of the Knight Cities Challenge, a nationwide call for innovative ideas aimed at transforming the organizations? 26 member communities into more vibrant places to live and work. Open to innovators and designers from any field, the challenge requested submissions that responded to a simple prompt: What?s your best idea to make cities more successful"More than 4,500 applicants answered the call with a variety of solutions ranging from technology implementation, to improved communication between local government with the public to the creation of public spaces and installations ? parks, trails, pools, and even treehouses were among the proposals.Each of the ideas focuses on one or more of three drivers of city success as outlined by the Knight Foundation: Talent: Ideas that help cities attract and keep talented people; Opportunity: Ideas that expand economic prospects and break down divi...