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What’s New in NYC Civic Tech – October 17, 2025
By the time you’re reading this, NYC’s mayoral candidates will have battled it out on the debate stage. What a night, right? Last week, we doubled down on digital equity events and kicked off our Public Interest Tech (PIT) workforce development survey. In NYC’s history, we’ve never seen a bigger opening to ensure digital services…
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Update on NYC’s Internet Master Plan, City Council Edition
“Just as past generations built systems for clean water and electricity, this Internet Master Plan makes connectivity a public good—fast, fair, and universal,” said Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director of BetaNYC. “It’s the foundation for an equitable, connected future.” Yesterday, the New York City Council passed an updated Internet Master Plan law. If signed by the…
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What’s New in NYC Civic Tech – October 3, 2025
At its core, city life depends on trust. In a dense urban environment, we rely on neighbors, communities, and institutions to uphold it.
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What’s New in NYC Civic Tech – September 26, 2025
Esperanza is the Spanish word for hope. It comes from esperar—to wait, to hope, to expect.
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What’s New in NYC Civic Tech – September 18, 2025
Upcoming EventsWe’ve got exciting events ahead, and the fall weather is perfect for both Mapping for Equity and canvassing before November’s ballot. Our Development and Strategy Manager, Naeema, recently joined NYC Parks’ Trees Count to help map street and park trees—a citywide effort that mirrors our approach of engaging the public to create open data…
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What’s New in NYC Civic Tech – September 11, 2025
To paraphrase His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama: from the moment of birth, and throughout our lives, we depend on kindness. Yet somewhere in middle age, many of us forget it. Today, we’re reminded of the countless ways kindness shows up—from shelter to a smile, from words of affirmation to friendship. Time and again, New…
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STATEMENT ON NYPD SURVEILLANCE EXPANSION IN NYCHA THROUGH PUBLIC BROADBAND
“Big Apple Connect should close the digital divide, not open the door to unchecked NYPD surveillance. Linking NYCHA camera feeds to the Domain Awareness System without POST Act transparency or resident input erodes trust and threatens civil liberties. Public housing residents deserve safety and privacy — not a trade-off between the two.”– Noel Hidalgo, Executive…
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What’s New in NYC Civic Tech – July 3, 2025
Seven days after “NYC’s political earthquake,” we’re still waiting for the Board of Elections data. On “the other site,” NYC BOE posted a statement about releasing data weekly “until all ballots are counted, cure deadlines expire, and final results are certified.” I will patiently wait for Steven Romalewski, Director of CUNY Mapping Service, to get…
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What’s New in NYC Civic Tech – June 27, 2025
What a moment in history! For those of you who have worked on grassroots campaigns, you know the sweat and tears it takes to recruit volunteers, phone bank, knock on doors, table at farmers markets, and do the hard work to get someone on the ballot and past primary day. For those of you who…
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What’s New in NYC Civic Tech – May 15, 2025
Noel’s editorial note, as we gather relevant public interest stories, we’re adding new sections. This week, we’re continuing to have articles related to the State Budget and adding sections on AI and the 2025 elections. We’re a little more than 40 days away from the NYC Primaries. If you know someone who isn’t registered in New…
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What’s New in NYC Civic Tech – May 08, 2025
First, we at BetaNYC work hard to ensure that information and data are used appropriately. Second, we respect all those we work with. We truly believe that no one is above the law and that our neighbors should be respected, regardless of whether they have a badge or lack a home. Due process and equal…
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Testimony to NYC Council’s Hearing on the Internet Master Plan
To: NYC Council – Committee on TechnologyFrom: Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director of BetaNYCRe: Internet Master Plan Hearing Tuesday, 29 April 2025 Dear Chair Gutiérrez, fellow Council Members, and Staff, First, digital literacy must be viewed as critical infrastructure. Introduction BetaNYC is a public interest technology non-profit dedicated to helping New Yorkers access information and use technology. …
