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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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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. …
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????? We have a real crisis in Albany – URGENT ?????
For over 20 years, New Yorkers have worked to address sustainable funding for our regional transit system and the heart of our economy. At the end of this month, a thoroughly researched process was to be implemented. As of Wednesday, we are facing a crisis that threatens to derail the MTA’s capital plan while…
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30+ Groups Support Bill to Improve Open Meetings Law
Our groups support this bill to encourage public participation in open meetings and make attendance easier for officials. COVID-19 showed remote meetings benefit many, including the disabled and parents. The bill mandates hybrid meetings, reduces quorum requirements for community boards, and ensures transparency in public notices. We urge its passage.
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Testimony to NYC Council’s Hearing on Open Data
Now, more than ever, the City’s data analytics team and the open data program need resources to ensure other agencies can do more with less. Since its inception, the data analytics team has streamlined internal and external data-sharing practices. Their work has improved people’s lives.
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BetaNYC and Right to Counsel Coalition Launch New Website Visualizing Statewide Support for Legislation
BetaNYC and Right to Counsel are excited to announce the launch of a new website that visualizes the support for these three pieces of legislation from both grassroots and elected leadership: Statewide Support for Housing Courts Must Change! Campaign: hcmustchange.beta.nyc. The website allows viewers to: Visualize the districts of state legislators, including the counties and…
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Open Meetings Law Recommendations for 2024 Legislative Session
Our groups have eight recommendations for how the state can amend the Open Meetings Law in 2024 to require hybrid meetings and close loopholes.
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Civic Innovation Fellows: Mapping for Equity on OSM – Spring 2023 Project
Our ninth cohort of Civic Innovation Fellows are Mapping for Equity on OSM this spring!
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Re: Oversight – Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology in New York City
BetaNYC provides testimony at NYC City Council – Committee on Technology’s meeting on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology
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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…
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NYC 311 Oversight Hearing – June 2022
If this Administration does not invest in 311 and Agencies’ ability to appropriately respond, it will be a blatant admission that they do not want the government to work effectively, efficiently, and intelligently.
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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…
