New York City Council
Committee on Technology
Feb 27, 2024
·
10:00 AM
1 hr 41 min
Summary
A hearing on open data compliance, focusing on advancements and operations of the NYC Open Data Program. Discussions included initiatives to improve data accessibility and quality, public engagement efforts, staffing levels, interagency collaborations, dataset prioritization and release processes, and management of public feedback. Features testimony from the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), advocates from BetaNYC and Reinvent Albany calling for increased resources and agency accountability, and the public
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez Opens Hearing on Open Data Compliance
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez addresses the imperative role of open data in city governance and its impact on technology and equity. - Emphasizes the essential nature of open data for …
0:00:33
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3 min
Martha Norrick, Chief Analytics Officer and Deputy Commissioner for Data and Analytics, NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) on Enhancements and Operations of New York City's Open Data Program
Martha Norrick outlines the advancements and daily functions of the New York City Open Data Program, highlighting its role in improving data accessibility and public engagement. - Norrick details the …
0:04:31
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5 min
How has the formation of the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) improved data analysis and data quality?
The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) improves data analysis and data quality through enhanced collaboration between analysts and technical teams, enabling more effective data documentation and utilization. - Teams …
0:10:03
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114 sec
How many employees does the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) have, and how many are focused on open data?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) has approximately 20 employees, with 5.5 focusing on open data work. - The office experienced growth due to a merger with members …
0:11:58
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79 sec
How has the staffing at the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) changed from the last to the current administration, and what was its original size?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) has experienced staff attrition without the opportunity to replace them due to budget constraints, with a previous full-time staff size of nine. …
0:13:23
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36 sec
Are employees working on open data also part of the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI)?
Martha Norrick confirms that all employees working on open data are part of OTI, including those in specific divisions like the Office of Data Analytics. - The Office of Technology …
0:14:00
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41 sec
How does the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) provide data support to other agencies and manage emergencies?
The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI)'s data scientists undertake analytics projects with other agencies, deliver emergency analytics services, and engage in public open data initiatives. - Analytics projects are …
0:14:41
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57 sec
Are internships available at the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI)?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) offers internships involving urban fellows, Americorp Vista program participants, and regular agency interns. - OTI has a history of hosting a variety …
0:15:41
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27 sec
Is there any staff remaining at the Goldstreet office, and where are OTI operations now located?
No staff from the Mayor's Office of Data Analytics (MODA) is at the Goldstreet office, as all of MODA has merged with the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), which …
0:16:08
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33 sec
Are there differences in open data training for agency staff versus the public?
The public has access to the same training materials as agency staff, but additional programs target specific public engagement initiatives. - Training materials for Open Data Coordinators (ODCs) are accessible …
0:16:58
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97 sec
How often are open data coordinators trained, and which agencies engage more frequently with the NYC Open Data Program?
Open Data coordinators receive annual training and have regular office hours with the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation for support. Key agencies like health and transportation have monthly meetings …
0:18:36
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97 sec
What is the role of the Mayor's Office of Data Analytics (MODA) in the New York City Artificial Intelligence Action Plan?
Martha Norrick, Chief Analytics Officer, explains that the Mayor's Office of Data Analytics (MODA) plays a critical role by ensuring the use of high-quality data and comprehending how data are …
0:20:24
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139 sec
Are companies utilizing open data for AI training or other purposes?
Martha Norrick, acknowledges the use of open data for licensing verification but is unaware of its use for AI training. - Martha Norrick is unaware of companies using open data …
0:22:44
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31 sec
Who maintains the open data portal and is there any collaboration with vendors?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) collaborates with Socrata, a vendor acquired by Tyler Technologies, for the maintenance of the open data portal. - OTI confirms working with …
0:23:15
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43 sec
What responsibilities does Socrata have with the NYC Open Data portal, and what is the duration and cost of their contract?
Socrata is annually contracted for hosting and maintaining the NYC Open Data portal, with a recent annual cost close to $400,000. - Socrata has a longstanding annual contract with NYC …
0:24:13
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115 sec
What tools and protocols support data sharing between NYC agencies, and how does the regulatory environment affect it?
The New York City Office of Technology and Innovation provides agencies with tools and protocols to facilitate data sharing, tailored to the regulatory environment. - The process involves collaboration with …
0:26:10
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133 sec
Is Databridge still supporting data sharing between agencies?
Databridge continues to support data sharing between agencies, according to Martha Norrick. - Databridge serves as a tool for agencies to send and host data in a database. - Agencies …
0:28:30
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46 sec
How are datasets prioritized and publicized, and why are some removed?
Zachary Feder explains the process and rationale for dataset prioritization, publication, and removal in NYC's open data portal. - Datasets are prioritized based on public demand and agency requests, with …
0:29:48
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5 min
What data quality standards and procedures do agencies follow for public data release?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) implements a data quality checklist for agencies, ensuring data integrity and privacy for public release. - Agencies are provided with a data …
0:34:57
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129 sec
How is feedback from data users managed in NYC?
Martha Norrick explains the process of managing feedback from data users, including the educational opportunities and the open data help desk's role. - Martha Norrick encourages interns to attend an …
0:37:06
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105 sec
What is the process for identifying and releasing datasets on the open data portal?
Martha Norrick details the process of identifying and releasing datasets on the open data portal, including compliance workbooks, target release dates, and public requests. - Yearly compliance process for agencies …
0:39:05
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3 min
What are the complaints about the 311 datasets, and how is the Office of Technology and Innovation addressing them?
The size and responsiveness of the 311 dataset cause complaints, and the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) seeks to improve its performance. - The 311 dataset is large and …
0:42:18
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42 sec
What is being done to address complaints about datasets, especially for 311?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) publishes a dataset aimed at improving the handling of complaints and suggestions for 311. - The dataset includes the structure of the …
0:43:01
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65 sec
Why are nearly 50% of datasets not automated in the NYC open data portal?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) addresses automation delays in datasets, attributing them to practical resource limitations and the frequency of dataset updates. - Datasets flagged for potential …
0:44:10
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140 sec
How accurate is 311 data in reflecting citywide issues?
Martha Norrick discusses the complexities and limitations affecting the accuracy of 311 data in New York City. - Martha Norrick highlights the importance of understanding the data generation process for …
0:47:16
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3 min
How is the 311 complaints resolution dataset managed and improved?
The chapter discusses the management and improvement of the 311 complaints resolution dataset, focusing on data accuracy and agency responses. - Martha Norrick expresses that their role is to ensure …
0:50:53
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3 min
What is the status of the 311 customer satisfaction survey data's availability and usage?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) acknowledges working with 311 customer satisfaction survey data and discusses plans for its future release on the open data portal. - Martha …
0:54:09
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92 sec
Why isn't the data from 311 satisfaction surveys automated for immediate dataset upload, and what steps are being taken to correct this?
Council Member Robert Holden questions the lack of automation in uploading 311 satisfaction survey data directly into datasets and stresses the importance of having access to this data for addressing …
0:55:45
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134 sec
How do agencies manage their responsibility in providing datasets, and what happens if they fail to meet their goals?
The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) employs various strategies to ensure agencies are publicly accountable for delivering datasets, focusing on performance measures and maintaining regular communication with open data …
0:58:23
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4 min
What is the percentage of NYC data updates done on time, and what efforts are being made to improve this?
Approximately 63% of NYC's datasets are updated on schedule, with efforts underway to improve the definition of 'on time' and increase this percentage. - Council Member Gutiérrez questions the timeliness …
1:02:29
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3 min
What new datasets should be included in the open data initiative?
Martha Norrick highlights the ongoing efforts to include new datasets into the open data initiative, particularly focusing on asylum seeker operations. - Martha Norrick underscores the dynamic nature of New …
1:06:01
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80 sec
What is the Open Data Program and how does it collaborate with other city agencies?
Martha Norrick clarifies the Open Data program was established in 2012 and not newly formed. - The Open Data program is mature, having originated through a local law in 2012. …
1:07:50
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83 sec
How many people are on the open data analytics team at OTI, and what is the total staffing for the open data program?
The open data analytics team at the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation is staffed by approximately 20 people, with the entire open data program including 5 full-time employees and …
1:09:16
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30 sec
Which agencies does the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation work with?
Martha Norrick confirms that the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation works with every city agency, including newly created ones. - Martha Norrick indicates comprehensive collaboration, from 'soup to nuts', …
1:09:46
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19 sec
How does the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation acquire its information, and how does it manage data accuracy in a city as large as New York?
Council Member Vickie Paladino questions the method of data acquisition and management of data accuracy within the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI). Martha Norrick responds detailing various data …
1:10:05
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155 sec
How is data from FOIL requests managed, and what are the efforts involved in its publication?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) collaborates with agencies to publish data released via FOIL on the open data portal, ensuring data's continuous availability. - The OTI has …
1:12:55
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137 sec
What does the future look like for the city's open data program, and what resources are needed?
Martha Norrick specifies the Office of Technology and Innovation's future goals for the open data program and emphasizes the need for more resources. - Norrick expresses excitement for the program's …
1:15:15
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3 min
Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director of BetaNYC, on Enhancing NYC's Data Analytics and Open Data Programs
Noel Hidalgo highlights the need for investments in the city's data analytics and open data programs to improve efficiency and adapt to modern challenges. - Hidalgo calls for the restoration …
1:19:32
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4 min
Rachael Fauss, Senior Policy Advisor, Reinvent Albany on Enhancing the New York City Open Data Program
Rachael Fauss, Senior Policy Advisor for Reinvent Albany, discusses the need for improvements and expansion in New York City's Open Data program. - Fauss highlights New York City's pioneering role …
1:24:34
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3 min
Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public on Criticizing the Public Advocate's Role in Open Data and Proposing COPIC Reforms
Christopher Leon Johnson criticizes Jumaane Williams, the Public Advocate and Chair of the Committee on Public Information and Communication (COPIC), for neglecting open data and transparency in New York City. …
1:28:17
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3 min
Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director of BetaNYC on the Importance of COPIC for Accountability
Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director of BetaNYC, advocates for enhanced resources and revitalization of the Commission on Public Information and Communication (COPIC) to ensure administrative accountability. - Hidalgo highlights COPIC as …
1:32:08
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36 sec
Rachael Fauss, Senior Policy Advisor, Reinvent Albany on the Efforts to Reinvigorate the Commission on Public Information and Communication (COPIC)
Rachael Fauss, Senior Policy Advisor at Reinvent Albany, discusses the essential role of the administration in successfully reinvigorating the Commission on Public Information and Communication (COPIC). - Fauss emphasizes the …
1:32:44
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21 sec
