Civic Innovation Lab

About

The Civic Innovation Lab at BetaNYC is committed to serving the growing need for public interest technology in New York City. We use data, design, and technology to make research and information on urban issues more accessible to as many civic partners as possible, especially under-resourced organizations. Our team works with elected officials, government agencies, and community-based organizations to address pressing research questions, advocate for policy change, and solve problems through technology with our neighbors.

Improving Access to Public Interest Technology

We believe that data and technology can enhance the lives of New Yorkers and improve our urban environment. The Civic Innovation Lab at BetaNYC aims to reimagine civic engagement in the 21st Century, by improving access to public interest technology and communicating information through data. In response to this growing need, the Lab provides assistance through Research and Data Assistance Requests (RADARs). The Lab collaborates with partners and focuses on data and technology based solutions, including research, data scraping, data analysis, spatial analysis, mapping, data visualization, information and communication design, and web development.

Lab Values

Improve access to public interest technology
Use data and technology to advocate for civic improvements
Bridge the gap in data literacy by making information easier to understand to public audiences
Foster leadership, work experience, and partnership exposure for Lab Associates in public interest technology
Advocate for transparency and accountability through open data