2024-05-01T04:52:25-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/90011798/philanthropic-swat-team-urbanism Nam Henderson 2013-12-29T21:44:00-05:00 >2013-12-29T21:45:53-05:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/0z/0zmr5zjnas64hxqd.tiff?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>"The organization, to be called Bloomberg Associates, will act as an urban SWAT team, deployed at the invitation of local governments to solve knotty, long-term challenges, like turning a blighted waterfront into a gleaming public space, or building subway-friendly residential neighborhoods...In a twist on the traditional business model of consulting, clients will not be charged".</p></em><br /><br /><p> Michael Barbaro reported that Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is creating a high-powered consulting group, Bloomberg Associates, to help him reshape cities around the world long after he leaves office. The work will be a continuation of sorts for the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloomberg.org/initiative/delivery_teams" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Innovation Delivery Teams</a>, a $24 million 2011 initiative by Bloomberg Philanthropies&nbsp;to help mayors effectively design and implement solutions to pressing challenges in their cities.</p>