For more than a decade, BetaNYC has worked to make New York City’s government more accessible, accountable, and responsive in the digital age. Through civic technology, design, and data, we help New Yorkers access public information, use NYC Open Data, and advocate for the changes they want to see in their communities.
Thanks to the support of foundations, elected officials, and community members like you, we’ve developed a vibrant public interest technology ecosystem. Together, we’ve celebrated 13 years of the NYC Open Data Law, trained over 90 CUNY students in civic tech, and recently welcomed new staff and our first-ever Associate Board.
As we begin fiscal year 2026, we’re proud to receive renewed support from Council Members Carlina Rivera, Eric Dinowitz, Gale A. Brewer, Julie Won, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Keith Powers, and Lincoln Restler. Their investment in digital and data literacy helps us build tools and programs that put the power of information in the hands of everyday New Yorkers.
Their support helps people like Naeema Haque, Dimitri Mimy, and Gabrielle Langston—whose stories you can read below.
Here’s what they have to say about our work:
City Council Testimonials
I’ve partnered with BetaNYC on many projects, including building an interactive map of microfulfillment centers in Manhattan, conducting an analysis of wastewater testing during the pandemic, and establishing data science programs in City schools to empower students with the knowledge and tools to address the problems in their communities.” “I’m proud to support BetaNYC in their efforts to build more transparent, efficient, and accessible government through civic technology and open data.
– Council Member Gale A. Brewer
I am proud to have such a strong partnership with BetaNYC, an innovative, civic-minded organization working to build a more equitable New York City for all residents. Together, we created a map that highlights playground accessibility near homes and schools across the five boroughs, which you can access at Ericdinowitz.nyc/playgroundmap. Designed as a resource for individuals with disabilities, the map helps families find playgrounds that meet a range of accessibility needs. That’s the kind of work BetaNYC does every day.
Their open data and mapping program continues to strengthen their vital work by equipping our communities with the knowledge and tools to identify accessibility gaps, understand environmental risks, and track local investments that improve lives. In a rapidly evolving technological world, these tools help ensure our residents have the information and support they need to help shape a more just, inclusive, and transparent city for all.
– Council Member Eric Dinowitz
I was excited to partner with BetaNYC on their digital equity mapping exercise because it didn’t just engage community members, it also resulted in much needed data to advocate for real improvements — from additional lighting in the IBZ to targeting infrastructure gaps that impact everyday safety and access. In a city as complex as ours, giving communities the tools to understand and act on public data is not just a tech issue — it’s a justice issue.
– Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez
Thank you to Beta NYC for advancing equity across communities—including in our maps! It’s great to see neighbors participate in this project to quantify our community assets like trash cans and benches so we can keep pushing to ensure our public spaces serve everyone.
– Council Member Lincoln Restler
Digital literacy and community data are vital for effective activism and grassroots movements. BetaNYC and its volunteers’ tireless dedication to expanding access to these crucial sources of information is an important resource to our community. I was delighted to co-host an event with BetaNYC mapping Tompkins Square Park and look forward to continued collaboration. New Yorkers deserve reliable and current data about their neighborhoods which can be easily accessed, and BetaNYC helps make that possible.
– Council Member Carlina Rivera
I’ve seen firsthand how BetaNYC’s digital literacy and civic tech programs have transformed lives in District 26. Their trainings empower residents, especially students and older New Yorkers, to access city data, build tools, and advocate for their communities. I’m grateful for their partnership in helping our neighbors gain real skills and confidence.
– Council Member Julie Won
Staff Impact Statements
My journey with BetaNYC has been nothing short of transformative. I first joined as a CUNY fellow during my senior year at City College, unsure how to bridge my passion for environmental justice with civics, city planning, art, and people-first technology. BetaNYC introduced me to a diverse, mission-driven community committed to equity and public service. As a South Asian Muslim woman of color and first-generation college graduate, I rarely saw myself represented in spaces like this – yet here, I was welcomed, supported, and trusted. Now, as Development & Strategy Manager, I’ve been given meaningful responsibilities that have pushed me to grow into a more confident public speaker, educator, and civic technologist. I’m proud to lead programs that empower the next generation of students. In a world where we often feel small or powerless, this work has been a reminder that change is possible and deeply worth striving for. I’m deeply grateful to the Council Members whose support makes this work possible – not only for me, but for so many others across New York City. I look forward to continuing to support the civic leaders of tomorrow.
– Naeema Haque, Development & Strategy Manager at BetaNYC
As a young college student, BetaNYC’s Civic Innovation Fellowship was my introduction to the world of public interest technology, local government, open data, and the diverse ways in which we can leverage technology and data literacy to support the community. I was shown that tech is, in fact, for me–and for us all.
Today, as Manager of Educational Programs and Community Initiatives at BetaNYC, I draw on what I have learned to build up the public interest tech professionals of tomorrow, while continuing to grow in ways I never imagined for myself.
– Dimitri Mimy, Manager of Educational Programs and Community Initiatives at BetaNYC
I’m a proud Brooklyn native and NYC public school alum who navigated the Special Education system and went on to become the first in my family to graduate college—at the top of my class. I joined BetaNYC as a Fellow in 2019 during my senior year at City Tech, where I studied Applied Mathematics. That experience not only helped me find my voice as an Afro-Latina in STEM, but it also inspired me to earn a Master’s in Data Analysis and Visualization at the CUNY Graduate Center and shaped my career path.
Today, I’m honored to help others find their place in civic tech. I want more students—especially women and those from marginalized communities—to feel supported, mentored, and empowered, just as I was.
– Gabrielle Langston, Public Programs and Community Manager at BetaNYC
Thank you again to all who have funded us! BetaNYC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization via The Fund for the City of New York’s partner project program.
Header image credits: Lwsmith10128, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Google Images.
