What we’re about
Looking for more information about BetaNYC - check out http://Beta.NYC
## What is BetaNYC
BetaNYC envisions an informed and empowered public who can leverage technology, design, and data to address their problems and hold government accountable.
We are dedicated to civic technology, smart communities, & open government. We are a nonpartisan good government community using technology, design, and data to empower individuals and local communities, provides for an honest and efficient government, and build a civically‐engaged ecosystem.
BetaNYC is building a connected NYC, by the people, for the people, for the 21st Century.
## Important Community Resources
Slack - BetaNYC has a slack community that is quite active.
BetaNYC's Facebook Discussion Group - Facebook’s premier group dedicated to NYC’s civic technology, open data, and open government.
The Message - BetaNYC’s Newsletter
Videos of previous events and instructional videos.
BetaNYC is thrilled to host CityCamp NYC, taking place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at CUNY School of Law.
Get your Tickets and Register today!
Join a community of neighbors, public servants, civic leaders, technologists, and advocates for a full-day unconference exploring the intersection of democracy, civil society, government operations, and more.
CityCamp NYC is a space for networking and learning. Let’s build a better city, together! Join the CityCamp NYC mailing list for updates.
Unlike traditional conferences, CityCamp NYC is an unconference: a participant-driven gathering where attendees collaboratively shape the agenda. Facilitated by BetaNYC, the event aims to foster hands-on collaboration and creative problem-solving across various sectors.
Expect sessions on everything from public transportation, how to start a community garden, virtual learning platforms in public schools, library talks, and more. If it touches public life, it has a place at CityCamp NYC!
Who is CityCamp NYC for?
Everyone! CityCamp NYC brings together city residents, civic leaders, students, advocates, policy nerds, government staff, elected officials, technologists, journalists, designers, and more to tackle some of the most pressing issues in New York City and beyond.
CityCamp NYC has these underlying goals:
- Convene community members to share civic insights and ideas.
- Create processes/projects that people will use for further action.
- Foster formal and informal communities of practice, advocacy and action.
Conversations will cover a breadth of topics and civic issues affecting life in our city, including but certainly not limited to:
- Civic Engagement
- Civic Technology
- Economics
- Education
- Environment
- Housing
- Open Government
- Health & Safety
- Transportation
- And more!
Why an Unconference?
BetaNYC grew from organizing community events based upon the “open space” model. We value our Open Data Week partnership, yet can’t always fit in all the things we want to discuss.
As 2025 has brought us unprecedented challenges, we’re bringing back community unconferences to complement our annual community conference. We want to ensure there is ample space for a new generation to learn what makes NYC’s public interest tech community special AND to provide a space where we can deliberate, discuss, and build solidarity with our neighbors across our diverse communities.
While all open to participate and present, CityCamp NYC is not affiliated with New York City nor State government. It is a independently organized community event. Opinions shared at CityCamp NYC are governed by BetaNYC’s Code of Conduct and Anti-harassment policy and are not representative of Fund for the City of New York/BetaNYC nor funders of Fund for the City of New York/BetaNYC’s programs.
How it works
The day begins with a blank page, a schedule (aka “The Wall”) that is empty except for time slots and room locations. After informally brainstorming over breakfast, we will gather for a facilitated Brainstorm-and-Pitch session during which anyone can propose a session by writing the proposal on a session card and submitting it to BetaNYC volunteers stationed at The Wall.
Sessions can take many forms: discussions, workshops, demos, or mini-hackathons, and cover a variety of city-focused topics like civic technology, housing, transportation, and education. Once the initial schedule is built, the first round of sessions kicks off and participants decide which to attend. Participants who propose a session are expected to attend that session and step in as an informal leader.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Mapping for Equity: Mapping Public Amenities in NYC Council District 26Big Bush Playground, Queens County, NY
BetaNYC is excited to share a new way to map NYC’s public realm in New York City Council District 26!
BetaNYC will present the Mapping for Equity project and how to create more equitable and accessible mapped spaces. We will show you how we’re mapping parks and public spaces into OpenStreetMap.
Through this activity, we are making sure there’s equal representation in data while quantifying and mapping our public realm. Together, we will site, count, and map community assets such as street lamps, benches, water fountains, trash cans, and picnic tables.
- RSVP here < https://beta.nyc/e250806-rsvp > for the field mapping event by Tuesday, August 5.
Meet by the flag pole and restrooms towards the north side of Big Bush Playground.
This event will be delivered in English and all ages are welcome to attend (provided that anyone under 18 years old is present with a parent or guardian). We will be moving about the city and on uneven terrain. Plan on wearing appropriate footwear and environmental attire.
If you have any needs or accommodations, please email events@beta.nyc.
Please RSVP by 3pm on Tuesday, August 5A followup Data Entry event will take place Monday, August 11, 2025, from 3pm-5pm at The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building (1 Centre Street, NY 10007) in the North Conference Room on the 19th Floor.
- RSVP here < https://beta.nyc/e250811-rsvp > for the second event by Sunday, August 10.
- Mapping for Equity: Data Entry Class with BetaNYCDavid N Dinkins Municiple Bldg, New York , NY
Join BetaNYC for part two of its Mapping for Equity series! This in-person event teaches the public how to enter data into OpenStreetMap. Bring your own laptop, charger, and mouse!
This event will be delivered in English and all ages are welcome to attend (provided that anyone under 18 years old is present with a parent or guardian).
This class will be offered in a 2-hour workshop period at the BetaNYC office at 1 Centre street.
Please RSVP by Sunday, August 10: https://ti.to/betanyc/mapping-for-equity-data-entry-august11
- CityCamp NYCCUNY School of Law, New York, NY$55.00
BetaNYC is thrilled to host CityCamp NYC, taking place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at CUNY School of Law.
Get your Tickets and Register today!
Join a community of neighbors, public servants, civic leaders, technologists, and advocates for a full-day unconference exploring the intersection of democracy, civil society, government operations, and more.
CityCamp NYC is a space for networking and learning. Let’s build a better city, together! Join the CityCamp NYC mailing list for updates.
Unlike traditional conferences, CityCamp NYC is an unconference: a participant-driven gathering where attendees collaboratively shape the agenda. Facilitated by BetaNYC, the event aims to foster hands-on collaboration and creative problem-solving across various sectors.
Expect sessions on everything from public transportation, how to start a community garden, virtual learning platforms in public schools, library talks, and more. If it touches public life, it has a place at CityCamp NYC!
Who is CityCamp NYC for?
Everyone! CityCamp NYC brings together city residents, civic leaders, students, advocates, policy nerds, government staff, elected officials, technologists, journalists, designers, and more to tackle some of the most pressing issues in New York City and beyond.
CityCamp NYC has these underlying goals:- Convene community members to share civic insights and ideas.
- Create processes/projects that people will use for further action.
- Foster formal and informal communities of practice, advocacy and action.
Conversations will cover a breadth of topics and civic issues affecting life in our city, including but certainly not limited to:
- Civic Engagement
- Civic Technology
- Economics
- Education
- Environment
- Housing
- Open Government
- Health & Safety
- Transportation
- And more!
Why an Unconference?
BetaNYC grew from organizing community events based upon the “open space” model. We value our Open Data Week partnership, yet can’t always fit in all the things we want to discuss.As 2025 has brought us unprecedented challenges, we’re bringing back community unconferences to complement our annual community conference. We want to ensure there is ample space for a new generation to learn what makes NYC’s public interest tech community special AND to provide a space where we can deliberate, discuss, and build solidarity with our neighbors across our diverse communities.
While all open to participate and present, CityCamp NYC is not affiliated with New York City nor State government. It is a independently organized community event. Opinions shared at CityCamp NYC are governed by BetaNYC’s Code of Conduct and Anti-harassment policy and are not representative of Fund for the City of New York/BetaNYC nor funders of Fund for the City of New York/BetaNYC’s programs.
How it works
The day begins with a blank page, a schedule (aka “The Wall”) that is empty except for time slots and room locations. After informally brainstorming over breakfast, we will gather for a facilitated Brainstorm-and-Pitch session during which anyone can propose a session by writing the proposal on a session card and submitting it to BetaNYC volunteers stationed at The Wall.Sessions can take many forms: discussions, workshops, demos, or mini-hackathons, and cover a variety of city-focused topics like civic technology, housing, transportation, and education. Once the initial schedule is built, the first round of sessions kicks off and participants decide which to attend. Participants who propose a session are expected to attend that session and step in as an informal leader.
