Category: Advocacy

Re: Oversight – Community Boards and Appointments

To: New York City Council – Committee on Government Operation From: Noel Hidalgo, BetaNYC’s Executive DirectorRe: Oversight – Community Boards and Appointments Tuesday, February 28th 2023 Good morning Chair and Committee Members, Thank you for creating an option for us to participate remotely. We believe that remote communication tools are fundamentals for the Government in the […]

Written testimony for DoITT / OTI Budget Hearing FY 2023

To: NYC Council – Committee on Technology  From: Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director of BetaNYC Re: Written testimony for DoITT / OTI Budget Hearing  Wednesday, 23 March 2022 Dear Chair Gutiérrez and fellow Council members, For the last eight years, BetaNYC has called for a realignment of municipal technology services. We are glad to see Mayor […]

Transparency and Disability Groups Urge NY Leaders to Require Remote/In-Person Public Meetings

Transparency, Press and Disability Groups Urge State Leaders to Require “Hybrid” Remote/In-Person Public Meetings During Sunshine Week, fifteen civic groups sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislative Leaders asking that they change the Open Meetings Law to require agencies to offer the public both remote and in-person participation in public meetings (“hybrid” meetings). The […]

BetaNYC statement on Intro 1806-A, Automated Decision Systems used by City Agencies reporting law

“We are excited for the Council to add one more tool to the digital accountability toolbox. It is important for all New Yorkers to know what algorithmic systems are used to deliver government services. Government technology and algorithms should be as accountable as the people who buy or program them.” Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director of BetaNYC […]

Photo of NYC Council Chambers

NYC 311 Oversight Hearing – 2021

Thank you 311 call operators and staff for being our municipal heroes. Through the pandemic you helped my neighbors through the toughest times. I want to make sure that you know that NYC’s civic tech community appreciates your dedication to serving all of our communities. Here is our 2021 testimony to NY City Council.

Open Letter to Mayor de Blasio from the Open Streets Coalition

[Executive Director’s Note – For the last year, BetaNYC has used its technical and analytical talents to support various COVID-19 relief activities. We support NYC’s Open Streets programs because we are neighbors who care about our ecological future and believe in safe and quiet streets. We see them as places for play, breath, and exercise. […]