Danbury is one 35 finalists in the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2018 U.S. Mayors Challenge. There were 320 applicantsin the a nationwide competition that encourages city leaders to uncover bold, inventive ideas that confront the toughest problems cities face. Danbury is looking for a solution to the lack of affordable childcare options for low-income families. The United Way of Western Connecticut says nearly 1,000 children attend unlicensed daycare facilities, because their parents have no other affordable alternative. Danbury will start a six-month testing phase of prototypes with grant funding of $100,000.