New York City has launched a new tech initiative called Public Interest Technology (PIT) Crews, led by city CTO Lisa Gelobter, to modernize city services and build user-centric software.
Key facts
- •The PIT crew program is led by NYC Chief Technology Officer Lisa Gelobter.
- •The initiative is funded by $5.24 million from the city and a $2 million Rockefeller Foundation grant.
- •The first PIT crew project focuses on a 'click-to-cancel' regulation for consumer subscriptions.
- •The city estimates the 'click-to-cancel' project could save residents $160 million.
- •Over 3,000 people applied for roughly 35 available PIT crew positions in the first week.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a new program called Public Interest Technology (PIT) Crews, a series of small teams of engineers and designers tasked with improving city services. The initiative aims to modernize government technology through rapid, 12-week development sprints. The program is led by the city's Chief Technology Officer, Lisa Gelobter, and draws inspiration from the former United States Digital Service.
By the numbers
Program Structure and Funding
The PIT crew initiative consists of five teams working to develop specialized applications for city agencies. The program is supported by a $5.24 million city budget, supplemented by a $2 million grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. The teams are led by USDS veterans Luke Farrell and Maya Israni, who are tasked with recruiting tech talent to build software that serves the public interest.
Initial Projects and Goals
The first project for the PIT crews is the implementation of a 'click-to-cancel' regulation, which aims to help residents easily cancel subscriptions and recurring payments. Announced by Mamdani in July, the regulation is set to take effect on October 1, coinciding with the launch of software designed to allow citizens to report companies that make cancellations difficult. The city estimates this initiative could save New Yorkers approximately $160 million.
Recruitment and Industry Interest
The initiative has attracted significant interest from the tech sector, with over 3,000 applications received for approximately 35 available positions in the first week of posting. Many applicants currently hold high-salaried roles in the private tech industry but are seeking opportunities to apply their skills toward public service rather than corporate interests.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Wired.
