Do you have an idea to make Long Beach a more successful city? The Knight Cities Challenge opened for applications, today, Thursday, October 1.

Now in its second year, the nationwide challenge is an initiative of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and seeks new ideas to make the 26 communities where Knight invests more vibrant places to thrive, according to a release issued today. 

Winners will receive a share of the $5 million, while said funding is granted at all levels from small to large amounts. A submission may come from anywhere, but the project must take place in or benefit one of the aforementioned 26 Knight communities. Applications will be accepted through October 27. You can submit your idea here.

The idea should focus on one or more of three key drivers of city success:

• Talent: Ideas that help cities attract and keep talented people.
• Opportunity: Ideas that expand economic prospects by breaking down divides and making new connections.
• Engagement: Ideas that spur connection and civic involvement.

The Knight Foundation encourages anyone from anywhere to apply: architects, activists, artists, city planners, entrepreneurs, students, educators, city officials, as well as governments and organizations. For more information, click here. While applicants’ initial submissions should be fairly easy to complete, they should be ready with a plan to make their idea into a reality.

“Through the challenge we want to find new voices and new ideas that capture the three key ingredients of city success—talent, opportunity and engagement,” said Carol Coletta, Knight Foundation vice president for community and national initiatives, in a statement. “We see these as essential to the challenge and to building stronger futures for all of our cities.”

For those who have questions about the challenge, join the foundation for virtual office hours or in-person events. The regularly updated schedule is available here.

In March 2015, Knight announced 32 winners of the first Knight Cities Challenge. Community members and entrepreneurs, as well as experts in urban planning, design, academia and government will help Knight review the new entries. Knight will announce finalists and winners in early 2016.