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New York City Council

Committee on Technology

Mar 10, 2025

·

03:00 PM

2 hr 9 min

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Summary

A hearing on the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI)'s preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026.

Discussions focused on major initiatives including the Big Apple Connect program, MyCity portal, AI implementation, and a new T-Mobile contract for city mobile services.

Council members raised questions about funding sustainability, contract transparency, digital equity plans, and improvements to the 311 system. The hearing also covered OTI's success in contracting with minority and women-owned businesses.

Features testimony from the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) and the public.

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez opens the technology committee's budget hearing

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, chair of the technology committee, opens the March budget hearing for the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI). She emphasizes the importance of overseeing OTI's investments …

0:00:35

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129 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and overview of OTI's role

Matthew C. Fraser, Chief Technology Officer of New York City, introduces himself and provides an overview of the Office of Technology and Innovation's (OTI) role and mission. He emphasizes OTI's …

0:03:33

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56 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Digital equity initiatives: Big Apple Connect and NYC Digital Equity Roadmap

Fraser highlights OTI's digital equity initiatives, focusing on providing free internet access and equitable access to devices and digital skills training. He discusses two major programs: Big Apple Connect and …

0:04:30

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113 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Progress on the NYC AI Action Plan

Fraser reports on the progress made in implementing the New York City Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, the nation's first broad AI governance plan. He highlights the achievements and structures put …

0:06:23

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60 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

MyCity portal: Features and recent developments

Fraser discusses the MyCity portal, a one-stop shop for essential city services and benefits, highlighting its features and recent developments as it approaches its second anniversary. - MyCity includes a …

0:07:23

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33 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

New T-Mobile contract for city mobile services

Fraser announces a new contract with T-Mobile as the major wireless carrier for New York City, emphasizing the cost savings and benefits of this deal. - The contract leverages the …

0:07:57

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30 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Success in MWBE procurements

Fraser highlights OTI's success in promoting and contracting with Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) during the fiscal year 2024. - OTI processed 246 MWBE procurements totaling more than $83.4 …

0:08:27

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33 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

OTI budget overview for fiscal year 2026

Fraser provides an overview of OTI's budget for fiscal year 2026, detailing allocations for various expenses and highlighting key changes from the previous year. - Total budget allocation is approximately …

0:09:01

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73 sec

Q&A

MyCity portal funding for fiscal years 2025 and 2026

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the funding allocated for the MyCity portal in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. OTI officials provide the budget figures and explain the differences in …

0:10:33

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163 sec

Q&A

Contracts and vendors for MyCity portal development

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the number of contracts and vendors involved in the development and maintenance of the MyCity portal. OTI officials provide details on the contracting process …

0:13:16

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3 min

Q&A

In-house work and maintenance of MyCity portal

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about OTI's ability to maintain the MyCity system independently and the extent of in-house work done on the portal. Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser provides insights …

0:16:26

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3 min

Q&A

MyCity portal roadmap and future plans

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the promised roadmap for the MyCity portal and future plans. Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser provides information on the roadmap's status and content. - A …

0:19:32

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97 sec

Q&A

Updates and plans for the childcare platform within MyCity

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about updates and plans for the childcare platform within MyCity. Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser provides information on recent updates and future plans for the childcare …

0:21:09

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114 sec

Q&A

Funding plans for Big Apple Connect program

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the funding plans for Big Apple Connect in future fiscal years. Matthew C. Fraser explains the current funding situation and future plans for baseline …

0:23:03

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151 sec

Q&A

Service providers for Big Apple Connect program

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the dashboard for subscription rates and the current service providers for Big Apple Connect. Matthew C. Fraser provides information on the major franchisees involved …

0:25:35

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84 sec

Q&A

People's Choice Communications and the role of smaller ISPs

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about People's Choice Communications, a smaller ISP claiming to provide free internet to NYCHA households, and their potential role in Big Apple Connect. Matthew C. …

0:26:58

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4 min

Q&A

Future plans for Big Apple Connect and maintaining free service

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the future of Big Apple Connect and plans to maintain free service. Matthew C. Fraser explains the program's foundational principles and intentions for the …

0:31:48

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135 sec

Q&A

Connectivity services in city-run shelters

Matthew C. Fraser briefly mentions the extension of connectivity services to city-run shelters, which is separate from the Big Apple Connect program but part of OTI's broader digital equity initiatives. …

0:34:03

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25 sec

Q&A

Overview of Big Apple Connect program status and availability

Council Member Julie Won inquires about the status of the Big Apple Connect program, particularly its availability in NYCHA developments. CTO Matthew C. Fraser provides an update on the program's …

0:34:36

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123 sec

Q&A

Issues with service providers and billing after ACP sunset

Council Member Julie Won raises concerns about billing issues for NYCHA residents, particularly after the sunset of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). CTO Matthew C. Fraser commits to addressing these …

0:36:40

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166 sec

Q&A

Outreach efforts and long-term sustainability of Big Apple Connect

Council Member Julie Won inquires about efforts to reach the remaining 20% of NYCHA residents and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Big Apple Connect program. CTO Matthew C. Fraser …

0:39:26

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72 sec

Q&A

Investment in upgrading technology and potential for repurposing retired equipment

Council Member Julie Won inquires about the $2.4 million investment to upgrade technology in older adult centers, libraries, and the NYCHA digital van program. CTO Matthew C. Fraser discusses the …

0:40:37

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147 sec

Q&A

Discussion of the Host system for managing asylum seeker data

Council Member Julie Won inquires about the Host system, a centralized platform for managing asylum seeker data across city agencies. CTO Matthew C. Fraser provides details on the system's development, …

0:43:05

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4 min

Q&A

Council Member Bottcher asks about AI implementation in NYC agencies

Council Member Erik Bottcher inquires about the future of AI implementation in New York City agencies, focusing on the artificial intelligence action plan and potential applications. Matthew C. Fraser, the …

0:48:04

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4 min

Q&A

Discussion on 311 app budget and usage

Council Member Holden inquires about the 311 app's budget allocation compared to phone services. Chief Technology Officer Fraser acknowledges that the app is a small part of the overall 311 …

0:52:16

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68 sec

Q&A

311 system improvements and ongoing challenges

Council Member Holden and CTO Fraser discuss various improvements and challenges with the 311 system, including location services, complaint processes, and budget constraints. - Fraser explains that 311 has become …

0:53:24

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3 min

Q&A

MOAM budget fluctuations and press pass vetting concerns

Council Member Holden inquires about the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOAM) budget changes and expresses concerns about press pass vetting. CTO Fraser defers to MOAM for specific budget …

0:56:27

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100 sec

Q&A

Text to 911 usage trends and promotion strategies

Council Member Holden inquires about the usage and promotion of the Text to 911 service. CTO Fraser provides insights on its current usage and potential for increased awareness. - Fraser …

0:58:09

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97 sec

REMARKS

Upcoming AI enhancements for 311 system

CTO Fraser outlines upcoming AI-powered improvements to the 311 system, focusing on enhancing user experience and simplifying service requests. - AI-powered chat assistants will be implemented to understand context and …

0:59:46

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73 sec

Q&A

311 survey process and public feedback portal

Council Member Holden inquires about the outcome of 311 surveys, and CTO Fraser explains recent improvements in collecting and sharing public feedback. - Fraser introduces RSAT, a public-facing portal for …

1:00:59

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54 sec

Q&A

Live XYZ funding status and importance for economic development

Council Member Gale Brewer inquires about the status and continued funding for Live XYZ, a tool started by SBS for economic development. Matthew C. Fraser acknowledges its importance but confirms …

1:01:54

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52 sec

Q&A

E-rate program status and future connectivity plans for libraries and schools

Council Member Gale Brewer expresses concern about the future of the E-rate program for libraries and schools, particularly in light of potential federal changes. Matthew C. Fraser discusses the city's …

1:02:47

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133 sec

Q&A

Update on Public Access TV and cable franchise contracts

Council Member Gale Brewer inquires about the status of Public Access TV and upcoming cable franchise contracts. Matthew C. Fraser provides an update on the current situation and ongoing discussions. …

1:05:01

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54 sec

Q&A

Kiosks deployment, utilization, and revenue generation

Council Member Gale Brewer inquires about the status of kiosks, their deployment, and revenue generation. Matthew C. Fraser and Edwin Pemberton provide updates on the kiosk program and its financial …

1:05:56

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147 sec

Q&A

Status of open computer centers and oversight of carrier obligations

Council Member Gale Brewer inquires about the status of open computer centers, particularly those established through contracts with carriers like Spectrum (formerly Time Warner). Matthew C. Fraser provides information on …

1:08:25

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86 sec

Q&A

Open Data updates, infrastructure upgrades, and potential AI integration

Council Member Gale Brewer inquires about updates to the Open Data initiative, including infrastructure upgrades and potential AI integration. Matthew C. Fraser provides information on current efforts and agrees to …

1:09:51

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88 sec

Q&A

Clarification on MyCity portal contracts and amendments

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez sought clarification on the number of contracts and amendments for the MyCity portal. Deputy Commissioner Edwin Pemberton confirmed there are 78 total contracts but needed to …

1:11:23

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78 sec

Q&A

Update on Mogafy demonstration project and asylum seeker initiative

Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser provided an update on the Mogafy demonstration project, which has been put on hold due to the deployment of Mogafy in the Asylum Seeker Initiative run …

1:12:41

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177 sec

Q&A

Explanation of capital eligibility requirements and ineligible spending

Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser and Deputy Commissioner Edwin Pemberton explained capital eligibility requirements and ineligible spending in relation to OTI's budget. - Capital eligibility is determined by Directive 10, which …

1:15:39

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4 min

Q&A

Details on the new child care programs map initiative

Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser provided information about the new child care programs map initiative, its funding, and timeline. - The preliminary plan includes $1.2 million in FY25 and $1.1 million …

1:20:39

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167 sec

Q&A

311 headcount, vacancies, and retention challenges

Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser discussed the current headcount, vacancies, and retention challenges for the 311 call center. - The current budgeted headcount for 311 is 248, with 239 active employees …

1:23:27

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178 sec

Q&A

Big Apple Connect funding plans and service improvements

Commissioner Matthew C. Fraser discussed the future funding and service improvements for the Big Apple Connect program. - OTI is working with the Office of Management and Budget to advocate …

1:26:25

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169 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Brewer discusses 311 services, MyCity portal, and Green Book NYC with Chief Technology Officer

Council Member Gale Brewer engages in a discussion with Chief Technology Officer Matthew C. Fraser about various city services and systems. Brewer provides feedback on 311 services, the MyCity portal's …

1:29:14

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4 min

Q&A

Funding for applications in the preliminary budget

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the funding for applications in the preliminary budget, specifically the increase from $1.1 million to $22.1 million in FY25. Matthew C. Fraser and Edwin …

1:33:45

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3 min

Q&A

Housing Recovery Office funding and staffing

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the funding for the Housing Recovery Office (HRO), noting a significant drop from $1.2 million in FY25 to $130,000 in out years. Edwin Pemberton …

1:37:26

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106 sec

Q&A

Public safety funding under OTI

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez asks for confirmation about the scope of public safety funding under OTI. Matthew C. Fraser provides a brief explanation of what this funding covers. - Public …

1:39:12

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17 sec

Q&A

Digital equity plan and device refurbishment initiative

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the recently released digital equity plan, focusing on the device refurbishment initiative and its relation to Local Law 81. Matthew C. Fraser explains the …

1:39:31

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172 sec

Q&A

Connected Communities program funding

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the funding for the Connected Communities program, which is part of the digital equity roadmap. Matthew C. Fraser explains the funding process and compares …

1:42:23

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4 min

Q&A

Internet network pilot program and state funding

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the Internet network pilot program mentioned in the digital equity roadmap, particularly its funding source and the city's involvement. Matthew C. Fraser provides clarity …

1:46:24

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174 sec

Q&A

T-Mobile bulk purchasing agreement details

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the details of the recently announced T-Mobile bulk purchasing agreement for city agencies. Matthew C. Fraser provides information on the contract's scope, duration, and …

1:49:18

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130 sec

REMARKS

Follow-up requests and collaboration on digital access initiatives

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez concludes the hearing with requests for follow-up information and expresses a desire for closer collaboration on digital access initiatives. Matthew C. Fraser responds positively to these …

1:51:30

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66 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Michelle Ann Blomingville, Health Educator, on Havana Syndrome and Technology-Related Concerns

Michelle Ann Blomingville, a health educator with 40 years of experience, testified about concerns related to Havana syndrome, targeted harassment, and technology-based privacy issues. She spoke on behalf of everyday …

1:54:43

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4 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Aguirette Kebrou, Pastor and Nonprofit Organization Leader, on Technology Concerns

Aguirette Kebrou, a pastor and nonprofit organization leader, testified before the NYC City Council Technology Committee about concerns regarding certain types of technology, particularly microwave radiation technology. She urged the …

1:59:41

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141 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public

Christopher Leon Johnson testifies against the defunding of ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection technology used by the NYPD. He argues that ShotSpotter is crucial for preventing crime and saving lives in …

2:02:31

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130 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Joseph Bach, Licensed Structural Engineer and DCAS Consultant, on Technological Issues in City Operations

Joseph Bach, a licensed structural engineer and DCAS consultant, testifies about technological issues in city operations, focusing on the need for open-source software and better data management. He criticizes the …

2:04:46

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3 min