Tech can solve NYC’s greatest challenges

As New York City’s first chief technology officer, I am very fortunate to be part of an administration that is open to new ideas and recognizes the power of technology to transform government, to democratize society and to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. I also have the privilege of being part of a groundbreaking team of technology leaders responsible for fulfilling Mayor Bill de Blasio’s inspiring vision of making New York City the most tech-friendly and innovative city in the world.

New York City’s tech ecosystem is well on its way, with $30 billion in annual wages, 300,000 jobs and the most female tech founders and startup requests in the country. I encourage my colleagues and partners in the tech sector to use their skills and apply the best technology where it is needed most: to address inequity of all kinds, close the tech divide and make our mark as the most socially responsible tech community in the world.

There is no place more diverse than New York City, and our rising tech sector can leverage and capitalize on that core strength. It gives us an edge toward a more socially sustainable city and builds a healthy bottom line. According to McKinsey & Co., gender-diverse and ethnically diverse companies are, respectively, 15 percent and 35 percent more likely to have financial returns above their national industry medians. We must act thoughtfully and proactively in order to fully leverage this diversity and expand on it to remain globally competitive.

If a diverse set of employees isn’t being brought to the table, amend recruitment strategies and help “prime the pump”: Invest in local computer science education programs or get in touch with the city to find out more about how we are incubating tomorrow’s tech leaders through the Tech Talent Pipeline initiative. Together, we can collaborate to make my story—a Filipino-American, a product of New York City public schools, and a woman in tech—the norm, and not the exception.

I’m increasingly approached by individuals and organizations who want to step up to the plate and use their tech for good but don’t know where to start. Public-private partnerships are a fantastic way to give back. Governments and nonprofits tackle some of the most challenging social issues of our time. Technologists love a good challenge and thrive on seeing their work have an impact. There couldn’t be a more perfect fit.

For instance, could your predictive analytics or digital marketing methods help steer social services to where they will have the most impact? My office recently supported HudsonHack, an intern hack-a-thon produced by Warby Parker in which participants from over 50 companies were asked to find tech solutions to social issues presented by Robin Hood’s Blue Ridge Labs, Donors Choose, and the city Department of Homeless Services. Looking ahead, the annual NYC BigApps competition will continue through October and brings together over 35 partners who will work with technologists to deliver solutions for issues identified in the city’s OneNYC plan. We encourage you to participate in events like these, sync up with partners to create your own, or think of other ways your latest solutions could help solve our toughest urban challenges.

Let’s be the tech sector with a heart as big as New York City itself. In my short time in City Hall, I have been inspired and deeply touched by the warmth and genuine kind-heartedness of those inside and outside government, propelled by a deep desire to make a difference for other human beings. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of this role in public service.

There are many paths to being helpful and impactful. Topics such as homelessness, access to mental health resources, domestic violence, workforce diversity and the digital divide all require solutions as big and bold as the challenges themselves.

I know the tech community is up to the challenge. All it takes is the same hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit that brought the industry to where it is now. After all, we can’t sit around and wait for progress and opportunity to just happen. To create a more just, equitable and socially sustainable city, we must actively pull that future into the present—together.

Minerva Tantoco is the first chief technology officer for New York City, where she drives the citywide technology strategy.