NYC mayor consolidates technology agencies

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has issued an executive order to consolidate all city technology agencies under a single authority in a bid to streamline operations and improve internal co-operation.

The work of several formerly independent agencies will be brought together under the new Office of Technology and Innovation, which replaces the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications and will be led by the city’s new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Matthew Fraser.

The Office of Data Analytics, the Office of Information Privacy and New York Cyber Command will continue but within the new Office of Technology and Innovation.

“All of them now are disjointed,” Adams said during a press conference. “They’re not communicating with each other, everyone has a different vision, a different operation. Those days are over – we’re moving as one.”

The consolidation is “not just about dollars and cents; it’s about common sense,” Adams commented.

The order discontinues the role of Algorithms Management and Policy Officer which was created in November 2019, but the new Office of Technology and Innovation will continue to guide how the city uses algorithms.

Priorities

Fraser said: “We are now entering the era where we can truly use technology in real time to overcome what were perceived to be insurmountable challenges and ‘get stuff done.'”

The Office of Technology and Innovation will be tasked with carrying out Mayor Adams’ key technology initiatives, including the creation of MyCity, a one-stop shop portal for all city services and benefits, and closing the digital divide. Other priorities will be cybersecurity and doing more with 311 data.

Adams said there will be an evaluation to cut any unnecessary “duplication of jobs” at upper management level.

Crypto push

Mayor Adams has also announced that he will take his first pay cheque in cryptocurrency.

In November, Adams said on Twitter he would accept his first three pay cheques in cryptocurrency, initiating “friendly competition” with Miami’s mayor Francis Suarez.

Due to US Department of Labor regulations, New York City cannot pay employees in cryptocurrency so the salary will be converted to Ethereum and Bitcoin via the Coinbase exchange.

While cryptocurrencies could offer benefits for cities, experts have also warned about risks related to volatility and raised concerns about environmental impacts.

“New York is the centre of the world, and we want it to be the centre of cryptocurrency and other financial innovations,” said Adams. “Being on the forefront of such innovation will help us create jobs, improve our economy, and continue to be a magnet for talent from all over the globe.”

Fraser added: “From being the primary means by which we close both the digital and financial divide, technology continues to be the great equaliser.

“This step taken by the mayor provides a leading example of how we can empower people through tech with a more diverse set of options to manage their finances.”

Non-profit CityCoins has launched city-specific cryptocurrencies in both Miami and New York. Thirty percent of the mining rewards are allocated to a wallet for the city. Adams welcomed the launch of New York’s coin in November, and Miami commissioners have voted to accept the donation.