PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Clayton Banks, CEO of Silicon Harlem, on MyCity Portal Accessibility
3:12:07
·
3 min
Clayton Banks, CEO of Silicon Harlem, testified on the importance of making the MyCity portal accessible to all New Yorkers, emphasizing the need for both mobile and web access to bridge the digital divide. He commended the city's efforts while highlighting critical areas for improvement to ensure equity and inclusivity.
- Stressed the importance of mobile app access for underserved communities who primarily use smartphones for internet access
- Emphasized the need for desktop access for complex tasks and certain user groups, including older adults
- Advocated for multilingual support, intuitive design, and integration with NYC 311 to enhance usability and reach
Clayton Banks
3:12:07
Okay.
3:12:08
Well, chair and members of the technology committee thank you for the opportunity to address this important topic.
3:12:16
And thanks, Irene.
3:12:18
As a longtime advocate for digital equity, I am.
3:12:22
I am a long time advocate for digital equity.
3:12:26
And the closing of the digital divide, I commend the city for developing the My City portal.
3:12:32
A tool that has the potential to be transformative for New Yorkers seeking access to essential services.
3:12:38
However, however, for the portal to truly fulfill its mission of the equity and empowerment we must ensure it is accessible to all residents regardless of their technology resources or digital literacy.
3:12:56
So mobile app access.
3:12:57
Right?
3:12:58
That's critical.
3:12:59
Many New Yorkers, particularly those in underserved communities, like in Harlem, where I I'm there all the time.
3:13:07
A smartphone is their primary, and sometimes only device for connecting to the Internet.
3:13:13
You get to what I'm saying.
3:13:15
Internet is an issue here.
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An app allows these residents to access services on the go, receive notifications about deadlines, and complete simple tasks, like checking application statuses, By making the my city portal accessible via mobile, we can reach those who may not have home broadband but rely on affordable mobile data plans.
3:13:37
I'm getting to that broadband.
3:13:39
On the other hand, web access through computers is just as essential.
3:13:43
There are many tasks from applying for housing assistance to uploading important documents that are that are better suited for a desktop experience.
3:13:53
The larger screen, more advanced tools, and ability to multitask are crucial for certain users, including older adults and individuals who may struggle with mobile navigation.
3:14:05
We must not forget that the Digital divide is not just about Internet access us, but also about digital literacy.
3:14:11
Ensuring that the portal is intuitive and used friendly is as important as providing robust security features like multi factor authentication, whether on mobile or desktop, Additionally, offering the platform in multiple languages will will ensure that the New Yorkers regardless of background can benefit from these services.
3:14:31
I also want to address the integration of NYC 311.
3:14:35
I know that's happening.
3:14:36
I'm glad to hear out that.
3:14:38
And I'm just saying that because the biggest issue we have is getting every single home in our great city to have the Internet.
3:14:49
We cannot call ourselves the greatest city in the world if not someone has if someone does not have the Internet in their home.
3:14:56
That's critical.
3:14:57
It will work directly with my city.
3:15:00
All that will work so much better.
3:15:01
I urge the city council to prioritize both mobile and web access to the my city portal.
3:15:07
Ensuring it is accessible, secure, and inclusive for all.
3:15:11
Thank you for your leadership.
3:15:14
And, of course, I think this is a great and important issue.
