Policymaker Newsletter 2/26

Tech:NYC Policy Newsletter

February 26, 2021 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Greetings and welcome to the February 2021 Tech:NYC policy newsletter. During these difficult times, tech companies have been doing their part to help bridge the gap between government and the public, and to help New Yorkers everywhere.As always, we welcome a dialogue on what we’re doing and what you’re doing, and please consider us a resource on all things tech. Until we are able to all meet again in-person at the bar at the Renaissance, or hopefully when Aroma Cafe one day reopens, please reach out to me via email with any questions or ideas.   Ryan NaplesDeputy Director

What We've Been Up To 

  • Tech Community Polling: Tech:NYC recently surveyed technology industry workers in New York City about a range of topics including why they came to the city in the first place, why they might one day leave, and other questions about our public leaders and how the city will recover from the pandemic. Notable findings from this poll include:

    • The tech community is bullish on New York’s recovery;

    • Tech workers come to New York for jobs, diversity, and culture;

    • Despite all of this enthusiasm, if tech workers were to leave New York, its high cost of living would be a top reason.

    • After the pandemic, 41% imagine themselves going into the office 2 or fewer times weekly.

    • 77% want the city to support companies moving at least partially to microhub offices in the boroughs, rather than large central offices, after the pandemic.

    • 88% agree that it is imperative for NYC’s schools to have a greater emphasis on teaching tech skills and partnering with companies to create internship and apprenticeship programs.

  • Tech isn’t going anywhere, it’s growing here in New York: 

  • Budget Testimony: This month, Tech:NYC submitted testimony to the public protection and taxation joint state legislative budget hearings. We stand ready to assist with further details and look forward to speaking with you all about next steps on tech-related issues in the budget.  

Our Community Supporting NY

  • Low-Cost Broadband: 

    • Tech:NYC member Starry is a hybrid fiber-wireless fixed broadband provider, offering affordable, high-speed internet access in New York City. Starry's digital equity program, Starry Connect, partners with public and affordable housing owners to provide ultra-low-cost access to true broadband, without requiring credit checks or other cumbersome eligibility requirements. By partnering with the housing owner to provide blanket eligibility across an entire apartment community, Starry has eliminated an often insurmountable barrier to broadband adoption in these communities. Since the start of the pandemic, Starry has added nearly 10,000 new units of housing to its Connect program in New York City alone. Last year, Starry voluntarily provided its Connect service for free to subscribers through the end of July. Additionally, Starry committed to not discontinue service to any subscriber due to nonpayment related to COVID-19 and in August, across all its operating markets (NYC, Boston, LA, Denver & D.C.), Starry launched its "Fresh Start" initiative, wiping away any past debt accrued by subscribers. Starry's Connect program today reaches more than 31,000 units of public and affordable housing across the country and continues to rapidly grow. 

    • After a comprehensive study on bridging the digital divide, Verizon has launched a low-cost broadband program that offers FiOS Internet service to low-income (Lifeline-qualified) customers at prices as low as $19.99 per month plus taxes and equipment charges, for fast speeds of 200 Mbps. New and existing customers who sign up will receive the $20 per month discounted rate for as long as they remain eligible for the Lifeline program. The current offers for new customers include not only a waiver of router rental charges for two months, but free premium platform services. Verizon’s low-cost plan will be even more affordable once the FCC releases federal assistance to low-income families. The FCC recently released its plan to distribute these dollars.

  • Small Business Assistance: Squarespace, the all-in-one website building platform, is currently supporting the NYC Small Business Resource Network by providing NYC based small and medium-sized businesses a 20% Squarespace discount for one year.

  • Vaccine Incentives: Instacart, the leading online grocery platform in North America, launched a nationwide COVID-19 Vaccine Support Stipend for its shoppers. Beginning February 1, the new Vaccine Support Stipend provides eligible shoppers and in-store teams in the U.S. and Canada with financial assistance to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Since launch, Instacart has already provided a $25 stipend to more than 500 shoppers throughout New York State who have received the vaccine so far. In addition to the Vaccine Support Stipend, the company has also distributed over 700,000 health and safety kits including free personal protective equipment (PPE) to any shopper in need throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic. These are just the latest steps in Instacart's ongoing commitment to supporting its shopper and in-store communities. 

  • For more examples of how the tech industry continues to help New Yorkers during this difficult time, please click here.

Who's Hiring

Please see here for a tech talent and job opportunities board from Tech:NYC and AlleyCorp. Please feel free to share this link with your constituents.

Who We Are

Our membership, like New York, is always growing and diversifying.