April Newsletter: New York tech is preparing for the 2020 census
This is the April 2019 edition of the Tech:NYC newsletter. If you're not already getting this in your inbox, sign up now.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census. New York has been leading the way in warning why the question is so detrimental: our state successfully led the original multi-state lawsuit calling for its removal, and through efforts like New York Counts 2020, a broad coalition of organizations continue working to ensure a fair, accurate count.
Tech:NYC is proud to be among them. We, alongside several of our member companies, signed onto an amicus brief with concerns about how such a question will likely lead to an inaccurate count, which would negatively impact the level of federal funding New York receives — plus, it could result in a lost congressional seat or two. Just as importantly, the question sends a harmful message that immigrants aren’t welcome here. New York is a top destination for creators from all over the world — 47% of the tech workforce is foreign-born — so we’re glad to see the tech sector rallying behind efforts to get everyone counted.
If you want to read more about what’s at stake with the 2020 census — including that this is the first time most respondents will take the census online — Tech:NYC put together this short brief. As the SCOTUS case and other local efforts evolve over the next year, we’ll keep the brief and our community updated on what we can all do together to help
Julie
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Earlier this month, we were proud to team up again with TEALS and CSNYC for the 6th Annual CS Fair! 2,200 students across all 5 boroughs came to interact with 90+ companies, colleges, and other organizations to chat their careers in tech. Check out a recap of the day here, plus some highlights from Tech:NYC member VentureFizz (and big thanks to the Mayor for stopping by!)
We were proud to partner with Google and celebrate the launch of the new Grow with Google NYC Learning Center, a space where all New Yorkers can take advantage of free digital skills workshops, one-on-one coaching, and community events. Learn more about the space and how to register for their classes and workshops here.
The latest installment of our monthly speaker series with Bloomberg and Cornell Tech featured Rob Weisenthal, CEO of BLADE, on how the company is modernizing and personalizing the way people travel. Stay tuned for full video of the conversation.
Our leaders caught up with Borough President Eric Adams in Brooklyn to discuss some of the ways tech can support government solutions for lots of issues — housing, transit, public health, and more. We look forward to our continued partnership with him.
GET INVOLVED
TEALS, a computer science (CS) education program that recruits and trains technology professionals to serve in local high school classrooms, is seeking volunteers for the 2019-20 cycle. If you possess a strong background in computer science, enjoy working with students, and are passionate about inclusion and diversity in the tech industry, find more details about the program and apply here.
GrowNYC is seeking volunteers for its upcoming annual Spring Plant Sale, which supplies hundreds of schools and block associations with flower, vegetable, and herb seedlings — a great way to connect with the environmental stewardship community in NYC! Get more details and sign up to participate on May 2 here or May 4 here.
Lesbians Who Tech is accepting applications for its Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship, a program making it possible for incoming LGBTQ women, non-binary and trans techies to kickstart careers in technology. Get more details and apply by May 15 here.
DOROT, an NYC social services agency, is recruiting volunteer coaches for their new Technology Coaching Program to help older adults learn computer, tablet, or smartphone skills. For more details and to get involved, click here.
NYC TECH COMMUNITY EVENTS
May 1: The 4th Annual Diversity in Tech (DIV) Awards gathers 400+ tech professionals working to address the diversity gap in the technology industry. Hosted by Glitch CEO Anil Dash, all proceeds will benefit Mouse’s educational programs. Get tickets here.
May 6: Tech:NYC, along with WeWork and WarnerMedia, is hosting a fireside chat with Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, to celebrate the release of her new book, Brave, Not Perfect. Register here.
May 8: Join Tech:NYC at the Rooftop of the Williamsburg Hotel, 6pm – 8pm, for the second meetup of Women@Wburg celebrating women leaders in business. All are welcome. RSVP here.
May 9: Join Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, along with DeRay McKesson, Jordan Kassalow, and Rabbi Jennifer Krause, at 92nd Street Y for a conversation on finding fulfillment in your own life while living in service of something bigger than yourself. Get tickets here.
May 10-17: CoinDesk and New York City Economic Development Corporation are partnering on the second annual Blockchain Week NYC. A week of conferences, events, meetups, and gatherings — anchored by the Consensus and Construct conferences — will bring together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, traders, developers, academics, students, and crypto and blockchain enthusiasts from over 100 countries. Get more details here.
May 14-15: Tech:NYC is partnering Smart Cities New York, North America's leading global conference for innovators improving life in the cities of tomorrow. Hear from our own Julie Samuels, NYCEDC president James Patchett, Jon McNeill (COO, Lyft), Joseph Lubin (Founder, ConsenSys), and 150+ more with topics ranging from the future of mobility, civic engagement, sustainable energy, and more. Use code TECHNYC35 for 35% off tickets when you register here.
May 14-15: Techonomy presents its annual NYC conference on how tech can build a more responsible, sustainable future. Speakers include Full Picture CEO Desiree Gruber, WIRED editor Nicholas Thompson, presidential candidate Andrew Yang, and more. Get $500 off the ticket price with code TECH-NYC here.
May 17: The Data Science Institute (DSI) at Columbia University and Bloomberg co-host the 5th Annual Machine Learning in Finance Workshop. To get more details and register, click here.
May 22: Join Tech:NYC at the fourth annual W.IN Forum, a day-long conference with sessions and workshops on innovation, inclusion, and impact. Tech:NYC members can waive the ticket fee for a limited time with code WINTECHNYC. Register here.
May 23: Machines + Media, NYC Media Lab's annual data-driven conference, returns to Bloomberg, featuring conversations on AI in a global economy; R&D priorities for media; and how technology experts are teaching computers to see, listen, speak, and interpret emotions. Get more details and apply to attend here.
May 23: City & State presents its 2019 Digital New York Summit, a day-long convening of technology and information leaders from government and industry to discuss innovative ideas being used to improve the delivery of services to both citizens and government agencies. Use discount code Tech:NYC to get 20% off early bird tickets today.
May 30: Join the Moving Forward Conference, a day-long event bringing together executives, tech founders, startups, creatives, and industry leaders celebrating new ideas, innovations and emerging trends together. Speakers include New Lab CEO Shaun Stewart, NYCEDC SVP Lindsay Clinton, URBAN-X Managing Director Micah Kotch, and more. Get 30% off tickets with special discount code TECHNYCMF19 when you register here.
WELCOME TO TECH:NYC
A warm welcome to our newest members:
1stdibs: Curated, luxury marketplace of rare and one-of-a-kind objects
CANVS: Locate & interact with street art throughout the city
Doorkee: Peer-to-peer marketplace to reshape how and when apartment renting happens
Gauntlet Networks: Simulation platform for blockchain protocols, applications, and token holders
Global Debt Registry: Loan level management solutions for the structured credit markets utilizing the hyperledger fabric blockchain framework
Impact Labs: Provides greater access to opportunities at the intersection of technology and social good
Keybase: Secure groups, files, and chat for everyone
Path Forward: Organization on a mission to empower people to restart their careers after time spent focused on caregiving
Percent Pledge: Help companies engage with-and retain-millennial talent through personalized giving
RaisedBy.Us: Enables social good through employee giving, volunteerism and community events
Ro: Healthcare technology company with a mission to provide personalized healthcare to everyone on the planet
Stacks: Real estate tech built for agents, by agents
The Wally Shop: zero waste grocery delivery service offering local farmers market and organic bulk ingredients in all reusable and returnable packaging
Tiplr: Travel tips from smart travelers like you
JOIN US
Tech:NYC is looking for a Communications and Marketing Director to join our team. Apply now or share the listing with someone you know!
We want your company to be a member of Tech:NYC! Sign up at our membership page, and let us know if you have any questions.
close up of 2020 census by Maria Dryfhout/Shutterstock.com