Riding in on a go-kart, Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised that a new initiative will cut through bureaucratic red tape.
“Instead of waiting years for new government technology only for it to work slowly, if it’s not already outdated by the time it is released. Our ‘PIT Ccews’ will move ideas from implementation in a matter of months,” he said Monday.
What You Need To Know
On Monday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised that a new initiative will cut through bureaucratic red tape
The five new Public Interest Technology crews, or “PIT crews,” will aim to make government modern, efficient and easier to navigate
Crews will be made of software engineers, product managers, designers, researchers and data experts
The five new Public Interest Technology crews, or “PIT crews,” will aim to make government modern, efficient and easier to navigate.
“New Yorkers really do deserve to have a government that delivers to them at the speed of New York City. And we will be focusing relentlessly on user first, user first always and really focus on outcomes, not just outputs,” Chief Technology Officer Lisa Gelobter said.
Crews will be made of software engineers, product managers, designers, researchers and data experts.
The first crew will be tasked with helping create the city’s “Click-to Cancel” online portal for cancelling subscriptions.
“They will work with DCWP to build an online portal where New Yorkers can file complaints against companies that trap their customers in subscriptions that are near impossible to cancel. The platform will not only provide recourse for New Yorkers who are being exploited. It will also provide a database that City Hall will use to hold violators accountable,” Mamdani said.
From speeding up the government to soccer’s biggest stage, Mamdani is expected to attend the final match of the World Cup on Sunday.
The game will be played in New Jersey, and other prominent guests include President Donald Trump, who is set to award the winning trophy.
The mayor avoided saying whether the two will interact at the game.
“My focus will be on the game. I anticipate just watching for 90 or 120 minutes, or maybe even penalties as well,” he said.
As for Mamdani’s own team, the mayor said he will continue to work with adviser Morris Katz despite growing criticism over his work on the Graham Platner scandal-plagued campaign in Maine.
Katz’s critics include members of Mamdani’s political base, the Democratic Socialists of America, some of whom have called on the mayor to dump Katz.
Platner dropped out of the race last week in the wake of a rape allegation. Platner has denied the accusation.
“We will continue to work with Morriz Katz. He remains a top adviser of mine,” Mamdani said.