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What’s New in NYC Tech – February 20, 2025

Gabby Langston

“If the end times arrive while you have a sapling in your hand, finish planting it.”

— paraphrased from the Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal

Let me start with good news. (Yes! We can celebrate good news!) For years, good government groups have been fighting for the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, or COELIG, to have teeth to enforce State laws around lobbying and public officers.

Former Governor Cuomo has litigated that he COULD use public resources for private gain and argued that COELIG was unconstitutional. This week, judges who he appointed ruled against him and said that COELIG is legal. They stated that COELIG does not violate separations of powers and ruled that the panel could continue to have teeth. As a result, the ruling applies to his controversial $5.1 million book deal, which has helped fuel Former Governor Cuomo’s legal proceedings against women who have accused him of harassment and inappropriate behavior.

SO, when we wrote last week that we needed a strong state ethics board, we still have one. Yet, I bet you are wondering WHY we’re leading with this topic. Open data is the continuation of the “good government” and anti-nepotism movement from the late 1800s. It is the idea that the government should be held accountable and have internal checks and balances. Ethics and lobbying go hand in hand. COELIG provides transparency on who meets with whom and publishes some of the largest datasets on the State’s open data portal.

Right now, we are watching a horror show that is legitimately destroying our ability to regulate and provide oversight. We’re facing an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Our Mayor’s legal situation has created a legal crisis worse than Watergate, fundamentally breaking the Department of Justice. We are losing centuries of government wisdom and experience. We are losing centuries of government wisdom and experience. We are losing our nation’s ability to be just and fund social research, science, climate research, and medicine. We are turning our backs on international treaties, 9/11 survivors, veterans, seniors, and anyone who depends on the Americans with Disabilities Act to be equal to those with greater abilities.

If you are a federal worker or know of a federal worker affected by the layoffs, please point them to Civil Service Strong, Partnership for Public Service, Work for America’s Civic Match, or information on unemployment compensation. Thank you, Ariel Kennan, for posting these resources!

Again, why does this matter to a technology and data community? The DOGE team has highlighted that technology, implementation, and individuals are the policy enablers—we do not have a government without them—this is the infrastructure of government. We knew this but worked within the system to evolve it. Now, these systems of oversight are disappearing, and our data is going to unknown individuals. DOGE’s incompetence is a testament to the “move fast and break things” start-up mentality.

This is not a hopeless situation. You still have power.

Last week, we encouraged you to register to vote and apply to be on your community board.

Today, we ask you to dive deeper into Government operations. We are now in the midst of a city election. This is the MOST influential time to volunteer on campaigns, meet your neighbors, and develop a shared vision of how technology, data, and design can help implement policy. Our City’s Campaign Finance Board has an official listing of registered candidates. And tomorrow, February 21, there will be a Mayoral Forum on street safety and accessibility.

Second, we are a few weeks away from “Sunshine Month,” where we will celebrate Sunshine Week, NYC Open Data Week, Data Through Design, and end with NYC School of Data. We would love to see you there.

Third, the Congestion Relief Zone has illustrated that we can live in a safer, quieter, and more efficient city. There are now two reasons to contact the Governor’s office!

Lastly, many of my friends are sharing their plans to end Black History Month with a one-day economic blackout on Feb 28th. This is combined with consumers dumping businesses that are dumping DEI. As demonstrated through the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Swadeshi Movement, and Anti-Apartheid boycotts, we can make a difference if we are organized, work in solidarity, and work together. Never forget your power, your energy, and your capital.

— Noel Hidalgo

Quote of the week 💬

“In many ways it’s fitting that the showdown between monarchy and democracy ends up being over NYC congestion pricing. Cities are where the power of kings were first challenged, and few things are more fundamental to government than control of public space.” – Alfred Twu

NYC School of Data 🎒

The early bird gets the worm. Get your early bird tickets and join us for our annual community-driven public interest technology conference! Also, we’re looking for dedicated volunteers to help make this year an unforgettable experience. Apply today at schoolofdata.nyc/2025-volunteers. We look forward to meeting you!

Community Resources 📚

This Week in NYC Civic Tech 🗽

This Week in Gov Watch 🏛️

Jobs Alert and Announcements 💼

Upcoming Events 📅

Note: All times are listed in EDT

Want to sponsor this newsletter or to be featured in future posts? Share your community resources, projects, events, and anything else happening so we can feature them. Take care of each other! Breathe and and breathe out. Have a great week!