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A $2.25 million grant from former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg will help to fund an innovation team for Jersey City. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

(Jersey Journal file photo)

JERSEY CITY – Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg's philanthropic foundation is giving Jersey City $2.25 million to create a data-drive innovation team, or "i-team," that will focus on violent crime, youth development and economic development.

The award is one of $45 million given to 12 cities nationwide as part of Bloomberg Philanthrophies' Innovation Team program, which aims to fund in-house innovation consultants in City Halls across the United States.

"Our focus has been on enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for residents, and this generous grant will allow us to make Jersey City's services even stronger," Mayor Steve Fulop said in a statement. "The support from Bloomberg Philanthropies' innovation team grant will help us enhance our approach and find better ways to serve all of our residents."

The i-teams are expected to begin operating by next spring. Other cities to get the grants include Boston, Seattle and Los Angeles.

Last year, Bloomberg endorsed Fulop rival Jerramiah Healy when Healy and Fulop were duking it out in the May 2013 mayoral race.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.