Mayor Eric Adams recently unveiled “How NYC Moves,” a plan with 21 actionable recommendations to streamline the delivery and completion of major transportation infrastructure projects in New York City. Developed in partnership with industry leaders, advocates, academic institutions, and multiple agencies, the plan aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in government spending by utilizing emerging technology, removing unnecessary red tape, and embracing multi-agency and cross-sector collaboration.

The report is the result of a two-day symposium hosted by city agencies and Cornell Tech’s Urban Tech Hub at the Jacobs Institute in January 2024, where transportation and technology experts gathered to identify more effective processes. Notable recommendations from the report include utilizing existing cameras and sensors to improve traffic measurement, centralizing transportation data for better decision-making, applying artificial intelligence technology to accelerate analyses and reviews, and automating transportation analysis to reduce redundancy and improve accuracy.

The Adams administration has placed an emphasis on using technology for new government initiatives, as exhibited by the “Get Stuff Built” and “Green Fast Track” plans, which were devised to remove bureaucratic obstacles to new housing creation. Additionally, the administration’s comprehensive “New York City Artificial Intelligence Action Plan” offers a framework for city agencies to evaluate AI tools and associated risks, and help city government employees build AI knowledge and skills.

“New York City’s struggles with traffic congestion are legendary, and now advances in data science are giving us never before seen opportunities to measure, optimize, and improve the traffic flow on our city streets,” said Michael Samuelian, director, Cornell Tech’s Urban Tech Hub at the Jacobs Institute. “This report outlines ambitious and realizable ways to help make New York City move better, faster, and safer.”

Credits: New York Yimby