Tech:NYC Digest: September 26

Tech:NYC Digest: September 26

September 26, 2023 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

In today’s digest, NYC streets may get new “noise cameras,” a roadmap for scaling workforce training investments for asylum-seekers, and the benefits areas where employers are spending more money.

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  • Over a third of 311 calls in the first quarter of this year were noise-related, according to a report from Council Member Keith Powers, so the city is planning to introduce a package of bills aimed at reducing noise pollution, including installing “noise cameras” along high-traffic streets. (Gothamist)

  • New research from the Center for an Urban Future found that the ongoing influx of migrants could ultimately boost New York’s economy – but will require more city and state investments in workforce training and job placement programs already plagued by lengthy waitlists. (CUF)

    • For example: Lehman College, which assists immigrant nurses with improving their English language skills and gaining certification and employment, has seen 600 people apply for 20 spots. 

  • Is business travel back? JFK Airport now offers travelers more international flight connections than any other US airport, according to new research. (Crain’s New York) 

In other reading:

Employer health costs are expected to see their largest jump in a decade, according to recent research, forcing companies to reassess how they provide competitive benefits while taming costs.

Yes, but: Many companies are reluctant to cut the benefits expansions they made during the pandemic – or pass along those costs – amid an ongoing “workforce crunch” to attract talent, writes Axios.

Here’s a few areas experts expect to see employers retool their benefits offerings in an effort to keep them:

  • Mental health: Most employers identified mental health resources, including those added during COVID, as among the most in-demand.

  • Menopause support: Removing stigma and barriers to menopause-related care is getting growing recognition on the heels of a greater emphasis on women’s health more broadly, and experts say adding these services isn’t often complicated or expensive – it may just mean more days off or adding access to specialists.

  • Inclusive benefits models: Employers are taking a closer look at their provider networks to ensure they offer plans that reach underserved populations and neighborhoods. That includes plans that provide access to more personalized plans for LGBT+ employees and employees of color.

  • Health-adjacent perks: “Lifestyle spending accounts,” or LSAs, have become a popular way for employers to offer subsidies for gym memberships, home office renovations, or other wellness programs.

In other reading:

  • How a Four-Day Workweek Actually Works, From the Companies Pulling It Off (Wall Street Journal)

  • How managers are helping employees do a ‘career squiggle’ (Fast Company)

  • Avantis Labs, a NYC-based DeFi derivatives ecosystem, raised $4 million in seed funding. Pantera Capital led the round.

  • Mundi, a NYC-based platform designed for companies to make efficient international payments, raised $15 million in Series A extension funding. Haymaker Ventures led the round and was joined by Union Square Ventures, GMO Ventures, Upper90, Colibri Ventures, Base10, Asymmetric Capital Partners, Gaingels, Mana Ventures, and GSBackers.

  • September 29: In-person: AcceleratorCON 2023, with The Muse founder Kathryn Minshew, Remarkable Ventures managing partner Murat Aktihanoglu, Founders Village CEO Yasmeen Butt, and others. Use code AC23013% for 30% off tickets by registering here.

  • October 4: In-person: How to Go From $1M ARR to $10M, with Help Scout chief revenue officer Andrea Kayal, Bloomfire head of revenue marketing Deidre Hudson, and Innovatemap principal product marketer and brand strategist Meghan Pfeifer. Hosted by Innovatemap. Register here.

  • October 4 – 5: In-person: Smart City Expo 2023, with Mayor Eric Adams, NYC CTO Matt Fraser, Newlab co-founder David Belt, LinkNYC CEO Nick Colvin, and others. Use code TECHNYC50 to receive 50% off tickets by registering here.

  • October 11: In-person: 2023 Tech Summit, featuring Altana AI CEO Evan Smith, Google Head of Trust & Safety David Graff, Esusu Co-CEO Wemimo Abbey, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and others. Hosted by Tech:NYC and Crain’s New York Business. Use code TECHS23 for discounted tickets by registering here.

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