The Department of Innovation and Technology (DOIT) presented a proposed operating budget of $53.1 million and $8.5 million for capital investments, emphasizing the need for investment in technology to support city operations. The department outlined accomplishments including an upgrade to gold certification from What Works Cities and recognition as a leading large IT department in the U.S. The proposal aimed to modernize the permitting and licensing infrastructure, address street data management, and improve service delivery.

Free Wi-Fi access in public areas was a significant topic, with the city working to improve availability in high commuter traffic areas. DOIT’s efforts in enrolling 50,000 households in the Affordable Connectivity Program and reducing those without broadband from 32,000 to 14,000 were highlighted. The rollout of a free app to protect residents using their phones and the development of a mobile-friendly preliminary election results website were also discussed.

Council members engaged with department officials on various aspects of technology and data management. There was particular attention to streamlining and integrating systems for managing address and right of way data, the need for better visualization and management of software systems and assets, and the potential for an executive order to modernize technological infrastructure. The department’s role in governing technology for the city and enhancing trust and awareness in artificial intelligence use was also discussed.

The council addressed the use of technology and data management by the city, focusing on labor impact, equity, and bias. The challenges of filling vacancies in the department and the importance of data for equity and policy purposes were discussed. Questions were raised about the city’s technology infrastructure in comparison to other cities and the focus on digital equity and Wi-Fi accessibility.

The council also explored the need for the City Council to have access to the back end of the 311 system, the potential of DOIT becoming its own entity within the city code, and the role of DOIT in asset management. The conversation extended to digital equity, particularly for residents in public housing, and the lack of renewed funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Digital equity and internet access for low-income residents were topics. Challenges faced by vulnerable groups in accessing internet services were highlighted, including the potential loss of access for individuals signed up for a federally funded program. The effort to provide free Wi-Fi in apartment buildings, particularly in Chinatown, was discussed, along with the need for more reliable Wi-Fi and video conferencing capabilities in conference rooms.

The meeting also touched on diversity and inclusion in hiring practices. One council member emphasized the need to improve the lack of diversity in top-paid positions. Concerns about the functionality of the council’s website were raised, highlighting the need for comprehensive information about council members’ activities and legislative work. The responsiveness of the 311 service and the need for improved communication between 311 and council offices were also discussed.

Furthermore, the council discussed the need for user experience research to understand equity gaps in the permitting and licensing process, the integration of the Suffolk County Register of Deeds database with city systems, and the urgency of cybersecurity. The governance of DOIT was called into question, with a need for reforms to address these matters.

Other government operation issues included the clarification of the city’s IT department’s authority in negotiating software contracts, the potential for developing the city’s own customer relationship management system, the availability of street data to outside agencies, and the overtime budgeting for the IT department.

Staffing challenges and the need for more funding due to increasing overtime costs were discussed, alongside collaboration with civic groups to address systemic barriers related to technology access and training. The department’s efforts in managing data from various city departments and the need for technology upgrades for offsite meeting capabilities were also topics of conversation.