From Data to Policy: How the NYC Council Turns City Data Into Action

Join the NYC Council Data Team for an inside look at how open and administrative data drive policymaking at the Council. In this interactive exhibition, Senior Data Scientist Reese Hirota and Data Scientists Taylor Francisco, Danylo Orlov, and Erik Brown will showcase four tools designed for evidence-based decision-making. From tracking citywide trends in domestic violence and evaluating Vision Zero safety interventions to mapping public restroom equity and optimizing fieldwork with StoopLoops, attendees will see firsthand how raw datasets become transparent tools for the public.

This session is ideal for civic tech enthusiasts, policy researchers, and engaged New Yorkers eager to understand the “how” behind city oversight. The event will feature 40 minutes of guided walkthroughs focused on the design and impact of these platforms, followed by an interactive Q&A. During the session, participants will have the opportunity to explore the dashboards themselves, engaging directly with the team to uncover data-driven insights relevant to their own communities.

By bridging the gap between raw information and legislative action, these projects demonstrate that open data is the essential foundation for a more equitable NYC. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how the Council identifies citywide needs, tracks outcomes, and makes the policymaking process more transparent and data-informed.