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New digital democracy tools for AI — MCPs for the Charter/Laws, Council, the City Record, and Checkbook
New Amsterdam’s Open Government History The argument about who controls what the public knows about its government is not a recent one in New York. It goes back to 1649. That year, Adriaen van der Donck — a Dutch lawyer and president of the Nine Men, the colonists’ advisory body to Director-General Stuyvesant — went…
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BetaNYC joins 13 groups to fight for better freedom of information appeals – memo of support
MEMO OF SUPPORT S9607 (May) / A11143 (Kassay) Requires agencies to allow FOIL appeals be done electronically TITLE OF BILLAn act to amend the public officers law [POL], in relation to certain reforms for agencies subject to the freedom of information law [FOIL]. STATEMENT OF SUPPORTOur groups strongly support this bill because it is absurd…
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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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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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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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Occupy Your Heart, Mind, & the Ballot Box!
We cannot afford to be apathetic towards politics, democracy, or elections. Digital tools are not neutral. All technology is representative of ideology. This post is designed to do two things: inform you about what local media we’re reading, and we want to tell you what is on the ballot this November.
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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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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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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…
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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.
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Testimony on Int 2158-2020: Designating a geospatial information officer
To: NYC Council – Committee on TechnologyFrom: Zhi Keng He, Assistant Director of the NYC Civic Innovation Lab Re: Int 2158-2020 Watch the video on the City Council Website, fast forward to 1:36:25 to hear Zhi Keng He’s unabridged testimony I am glad to be here with my former professors and top GIS experts as…
