James Anderson

James Anderson leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. An expert in public sector innovation, strategic communications, and urban transformation, he advises municipalities and their leaders on how to solve critical challenges and deliver tangible impact for residents.

Previously, James served as communications director for New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. In this capacity, he was the chief architect of NYC Service, the City’s landmark citizen service strategy. He guided public engagement around Bloomberg’s high profile education reforms, the City’s response and recovery to the Great Recession, and initiatives to promote and transform streets and civic spaces. Before joining Mike in City Hall, James was an associate commissioner for the New York City Department of Homeless Services, responsible for communications and public affairs. Prior, he was the communications director for the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network.

His work at Bloomberg Philanthropies has bolstered the field of public sector innovation and significantly expanded the resources and infrastructure available to city halls to solve pressing problems, incubate solutions, and improve people’s lives. These capacity-building programs include executive leadership development and management training, bolstering data and emerging technology use, such as generative AI, expanding innovation talent and capacity, and more. In 2024 alone, more than 700 city halls received support through these initiatives.

James’ work and writing has been featured in TIME, Bloomberg CityLab, Project Syndicate, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Newsweek, Wired, CNBC, CNN, The Guardian, and more.

James is a graduate of the University of Washington and the New School. He lives with his family in Brooklyn, NY.

Members of the media interested in connecting with James Anderson and the Government Innovation team should contact communications@bloomberg.org

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