Artificial Intelligence: How to use it and how not to use it with BETA NYC

BetaNYC will provide an AI 101 training designed to build a practical, confident understanding of today’s artificial intelligence tools. Many New Yorkers are unclear about how it works and how it can be integrated responsibly into public service spaces. Participants will learn how to ask better questions and get more useful results, explore common tools and real-world use cases, and leave with resources, guides, and practice exercises to keep learning, plus a simple framework to help assess when AI is appropriate for a given task and when it isn’t.

Join us for an engaging training on how Community Boards can utilize AI as an effective tool to serve constituents while also taking into consideration ethical concerns.  

Upon registration, a Zoom link will be provided.

• When: Apr 21, 12:00 - 1:00 PM Eastern Time
   Please register in advance for this meeting: Workshop Registration
• When: Apr 23, 06:30 - 8:00 PM Eastern Time
   Please register in advance for this meeting: Workshop Registration
• When: Apr 28, 12:00 - 12:00 PM Eastern Time
   Please register in advance for this meeting: Workshop Registration

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Expanding your Engagement

The CEC is offering a workshop that will explore how to deepen and expand democratic engagement through three proven methods-- civic assemblies, legislative theater, and participatory budgeting. Three practitioners will present their work and explore with participants how they can be utilized to support communities on the ground.

As Community Board members, you listen to the public regularly. For a government to be by the people, it must reflect the true voice of the people. There are many ways to have your voice heard beyond elections-- this training will offer practical ways to do just that.

Upon registration, a Zoom link will be provided.

• When: April 8, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
   Please register in advance for this meeting: Workshop Registration
• When: April 14, 12:00 - 1:00 PM Eastern Time
   Please register in advance for this meeting: Workshop Registration
• When: April 15, 6:30 - 8:00 PM Eastern Time
   Please register in advance for this meeting: Workshop Registration

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Understanding the New York State Unified Court System: Transparency, Access, and Civic Engagement

Join Zenith T. Taylor, Esq., the inaugural Statewide Civic Engagement Coordinator for the New York State Unified Court System, for a presentation on how the courts are strengthening democracy by promoting transparency, accessibility, and community involvement through civic programming. Appointed by Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson in May 2024, Zenith creates civic learning programs that help people of all ages understand civics, government, and the court system, with the goal of fostering active citizenship.

The session will address educational initiatives, youth-focused projects, outreach to underserved communities, and opportunities for collaboration. It will also include an in-depth discussion of the New York State Unified Court System as a separate, coequal branch of government, and highlight the importance of the rule of law in our society.

Upon registration, a Zoom link will be provided.

• When: Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
  Please register in advance for this meeting: Workshop Registration
• When: Thursday, March 26, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
  Please register in advance for this meeting: Workshop Registration 
• When: Tuesday April 7 12:00 - 1:00 PM
  Please register in advance for this meeting: Workshop Registration

Affordable Housing with C.U.P.

The phrase “affordable housing” seems plain enough, but it doesn’t always mean what people think it does. It actually has a technical definition, which can determine what housing gets built and who gets to live there. The Affordable Housing Toolkit helps communities answer the all-important question: affordable to whom? This training will provide resources to support community boards in their efforts to advocate for their neighborhoods and the future of the city.

• When: Mar 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM
  
  
• When: Mar 10, 2026 at 6:30 PM
  
  
• When: Mar 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM
  
  

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Department of Buildings: Rules, Permits, Summons, and More

Come learn how to navigate the NYC Department of Buildings' online resources including DOB NOW, Building Permits, Certificate of Occupancy (COB) and the Building Information System (BIS). Owners who have existing “open” OATH summonses issued by a DOB Inspector can also learn how to resolve these.
This class presented by NYC Department of Buildings is intended for homeowners, property owners, and property managers. It will provide board members with an understanding of how DOB works to assist in their decision making and constituent services.

• Held on Jan 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM
  
  
• Held on Jan 14, 2025 at 06:00 PM

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Energy Efficiency and Solar Power for Homeowners

Everywhere in NYC solar panels are being installed on roofs. Learn about how to use solar power for your home and other ways to reduce your electricity bill through energy efficiencies in the home. Can heat pumps replace your old furnace? Are any of these right for you and your home and who should you talk to?
This class presented by Kinetic Communities is intended for board members to help provide resources for their constituents and understand what is available it the world of energy conservation.

• Held on Jan 15, 2025 at 06:00 PM
  
  
• Held on Jan 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM

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Tenants: Know Your Rights

Learn about the laws and rules that protect tenants from eviction, extra fees, and better understand what's in your lease. What is Rent Control, Rent Stabilization, and the new Good Cause Eviction Law? Learn your rights, clear up misconceptions, and learn more about landlord responsibilities.

• Held on January 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
  
  
• Held on January 30, 2025 12:00 PM

Parliamentary Procedures Workshops

Workshop 1: Effective Meetings & Bylaws- Participants will learn how to actively participate as members and get business done through motions. Review of bylaws will be given (1 hour)- includes scripts & handouts.

Effective Meetings Workshop hosted by the CEC

• Held on October 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM
  
  
• Held on December 5, 2024 at 06:00 PM 

Workshop 2: Importance of Committees - Participants will learn the importance of Committees and how to actively participate (1 hour)- Includes scripts & handouts.

Importance of Committees workshop hosted by the CEC

• Held on October 24, 2024 6:00 PM
  
  
• Held on December 3, 2024 12:00 PM

IBO: Explaining the City Budget

The New York City Independent Budget Office (IBO) is a non-partisan agency that provides independent analysis on the city's budget and public policy. We operate separately from the Mayor and City Council, offering clear and unbiased information to help New Yorkers understand the budget process. New York City's budget cycle has four phases: the November Plan, the Preliminary Budget, the Executive Budget, and the Adopted Budget. This process begins in the fall of the prior year and ends by June 30th of the current fiscal year. Community Boards play a role by submitting statements of needs, which inform the City about neighborhood priorities.

In this presentation, IBO will explain how New York City's budget and financial plans reflect the City's policy priorities. We'll also help new community board members understand the budget process and outline how they can engage with it.

• Held on October 28, 2024 at 12:00 PM
  
  
• Held on October 29, 2024 at 6:00 PM
  
  
• Held on November 4, 2024 at 12:00 PM 

Office of Opportunity Workshop

EquityNYC, a project of the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity, reports on the status of racial and social equity in New York City and tracks the City's work to address disparities. The site includes data disaggregated by race/ethnicity, gender, income, sexual orientation, neighborhood, and other demographic categories as well as mapped data on well-being, service delivery, service locations, and overall population-level demographics. Learn how to navigate this site to help make determinations about where services and programs might be needed in your community.

• Held on November 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM
  
  
• Held on November 19, 2024 at 6:30 PM
  
  
• Held on November 21, 2024 at 6:30 PM

CEC Language Access Workshops

This presentation will give an overview of New York City's language access landscape and provide information on available resources to meet the diverse needs of your communities. Important information for Board members and staff alike. We will also discuss our Poll Site Language assistance program.

• Held on February 6, 2024 at 12:00pm
  
  
• Held on February 8, 2024 at 12:00pm
  
  
• Held on February 13, 2024 at 6:30pm

Introduction to Homeownership in NYC

All the various departments and regulations can make homeowners dizzy. We sort them all out for you, tell you who does what and where to go with concerns, problems, or questions. Learn the basics of managing residential property in New York City, including the roles of key City agencies and what they require. Workshop is presented by HPD Office of Neighborhood Strategies.

View the Video of session here.

Introduction to Department of Buildings

Come learn how to navigate the Department of Buildings' online resources including DOB NOW, Building Permits, Certificate of Occupancy (COB) and the Building Information System (BIS). This class will be also geared towards how to help property owners who have existing "open" OATH summonses issued by a DOB Inspector. Guidance will be provided on how to resolve these and submitting an acceptable Certificate of Correction to the Department of Buildings Administrative Enforcement Unit. Workshop is presented by NYC Department of Buildings.

View the Video of session here.

Housing Discrimination and Harassment

Discrimination and harassment are illegal! Learn about how and who housing law protects: From "protected classes" like age or ethnicity, to protections based on sources of income and disabilities. It also covers unlawful, discriminatory lending practices and how the human rights law can protect against tenant harassment. The City Commission on Human Rights is here to help! Workshop is presented by NYC Commission on Human Rights.

View the Video of session here.

Fall 2023

Disability Etiquette and Awareness Workshop

The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities presents on appropriate etiquette and awareness when discussing and working with people with disabilities. This includes appropriate and inappropriate behavior and language, accessibility considerations, and more.

Parliamentary Procedures - Effective Meetings, Motions and Amendments

This training for Community Board members held on October 16, 2023, by Diana Duncan (PRP), provides information so that participants will be able to hold effective meetings. They will learn how to actively participate as members and get business through by way of motions. They will also learn how to amend motions and move business along efficiently, the importance of Committees and the importance of, and how to amend, bylaws.

Independent Budget Office Workshop - Intro to the City Budget

This workshop for Community Board Members from October 19, 2023, conducted by the Independent Budget Office, outlines their services and covers some basic information about understanding the City Budget.

Winter/ Spring 2023

MOPD Disability Etiquette and Awareness

Arthur Jacobs from the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities presents on appropriate etiquette and awareness when discussing and working with people with disabilities. This includes appropriate and inappropriate behavior and language, accessibility considerations, and more.

Download MOPD Disability Etiquette and Awareness

MOPD Accessible Documents and Communications

Arthur Jacobs from the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities presents strategies and guidelines for ensuring documents and communications are accessible for people with disabilities. This includes recommendations for accessible file formats, using accessible fonts, and more.

Download MOPD Accessible Documents and Communications

MOPD Accessible Virtual Meetings

Arthur Jacobs from the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities presents strategies and guidelines for ensuring virtual meetings are accessible for people with disabilities. This includes recommendations for accessible virtual meeting platforms, equipping accessible settings within meeting platforms, and more.

Download MOPD Accessible Virtual Meetings

Fair Housing Training

Charlie Rudoy and Yuju Park, Representatives from the NYC Department of Housing & Preservation (HPD) Office of Neighborhood Strategies HPD present a fair housing workshop in conjunction with the release of the first progress report for NYC's fair housing plan- Where We Live NYC. They share insight into fair housing history and concepts, the City's progress on fair housing initiatives, and explore the ways community boards can further fair housing in their communities.

Download Fair Housing Training

Affordable Housing Training

"Affordable housing"- it's a simple phrase that actually refers to a complex assortment of housing types and tools. Charlie Rudoy and Yuju Park, Representatives from the NYC Department of Housing & Preservation (HPD) Office of Neighborhood Strategies unpack the landscape of affordable housing in NYC. They share insights on the several housing crises the City is facing today, their underlying causes, and how City agencies are working to tackle these issues.

Download Affordable Housing 101

Land Use and Equity

Senior Land Use Policy Associate Chris Walters from the Association for Neighborhood Housing & Development presents on the role and power of Community Boards in proactive planning as it relates to land use.

Download Land Use and Equity Training

Parliamentary Workshops

The training was offered on several topics relating to using Roberts Rules of Order. They were presented by the Parliamentarians of Metro NY. These documents are frompmNY and are available for all to use.

Handout-Committees
Handout-Efficient-Board-Meeting
Handout-Motions-Amendments
Handout-Role-of-Parliamentarian

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2022 Fall

Intro to the City Budget

This was a workshop conducted by the Independent Budget Office, going over their services and covering some basic information about understanding the City Budget. Two workshops were held, one on October 12, 2022, focusing on Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and one on October 19 for Brooklyn and Queens. The recording attached is from the Oct 19th session. Visit the IBO website. Download the IBO Budget Basics report. And if you want to reach out to the IBO with a specific question, you can email Elizabeth Brown, Communications Director, at elizabethb@ibo.nyc.ny.us.

Launch the video and enter the passcode below

Passcode: 1Mw$Fnls

Explore the Open Data Portal

In October and November 2022, we offered five workshops to all community board members with the Office of Open Data and BetaNYC teaching about the Open Data Portal. Open Data is free public data published by New York City agencies and other partners. With over 3000 data sets, you can learn detailed information about your communities.

Learn more about the Open Data Portal
Watch the BetaNYC Open Data Community Hour Nov 18, 2020, video

Youth Engagement Training

We are partnered with the NYC Youth Agenda to host workshops showcasing the power of intergenerational alliances in advancing outcomes for Community Districts and NYC at large!

Community District Profiles: New York City's 59 community boards were created by local law in 1975, and each represents a community district. These districts range in population from 50,000 to over 200,000 and reflect the City's diversity. The Department of City Planning's Community District Profiles organizes a wide variety of data, maps, and other content to present an accessible and informative view of the built environment, key socio-economic conditions, community board perspectives, and planning activities in each district. This information empowers residents, community board members, planners, and other stakeholders to engage in city planning and advocate for their communities.

Equity NYC: Use this website to explore the economic, social, environmental, and physical health of New York City across race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, location, and income.

Accessibility Guidance: Visit the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities website for guidance on how to learn best practices for making sure people with disabilities can access your meetings and published documents.

Zoning and Land Use Application Search: The Department of City Planning's beta Zoning Application Portal (ZAP) search allows the public to find current and historic information about Land Use applications.

Facilities Explorer: The New York City Department of City Planning aggregates information about facilities and program sites that are owned, operated, funded, licensed, or certified by a City, State, or Federal agency in the City of New York into a central database called the City Planning Facilities Database. These facilities generally help to shape the quality of life in the city's neighborhoods, and this dataset is the basis for a series of planning activities. The NYC Facilities Explorer is designed to make this expansive database more accessible to planners and city-builders across the five boroughs and to help all New Yorkers understand the breadth of government resources in their neighborhoods.

Population Factfinder: The New York City Population FactFinder provides detailed population and housing profiles for user-defined areas within New York City. Using data from decennial censuses and the American Community Survey, the profiles are comprehensive, covering the most basic population statistics, along with detailed social, economic, and housing information.

For more information, contact the Community Board Advisor, Benjamin Solotaire, at bsolotaire@civicengagement.nyc.gov