Leveraging Open Data to Build Safe, Just, and Thriving Communities

The Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP) at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering will host an evening convening from 4:00–6:00 PM, followed by a light reception from 6:00–7:00 PM. The event brings together students, researchers, public-sector leaders, and community partners to explore how open urban data informs public decision-making in New York City. The program highlights applied work at the intersection of data science, governance, and community outcomes, with a focus on how publicly available datasets are interpreted and translated into policy and practice.

The formal program begins with remarks from CUSP leadership, followed by 10-minute lightning talks from students and community collaborators showcasing projects grounded in NYC Open Data. These presentations demonstrate how datasets related to public safety, housing, health, and civic accountability are analyzed, contextualized, and communicated. The evening continues with a moderated panel discussion led by CUSP’s Debanjan Roychoudhury. Speakers include Alaa Moussawi, Chief Data Scientist for the New York City Council, and Sandhya Kajeepeta, Senior Researcher and Statistician at the Legal Defense Fund’s Thurgood Marshall Institute. The discussion will examine how open data shapes public narratives, informs institutional decision-making, and supports cross-sector collaboration.

A reception will immediately follow the panel, offering space for informal dialogue, networking, and continued cross-sector exchange. The convening is open to participants of all technical backgrounds and emphasizes thoughtful analysis, responsible data use, and real-world application within NYC governance systems.