Devin is a public advocate for NYC

NYC Needs an Upgrade

We live in the world’s greatest city, but our government is mediocre. We can change that by transforming city agencies the open source way.

The NY1 Interview The MNN Interview

“We can’t even see our safety net…”

2-1-1 systems list all nonprofit health, human and social services in a community. Almost every city in the USA has one. NYC doesn’t – and it’s a scandal. As Public Advocate I’ll make sure we build a 2-1-1.

Our Platform

Less Talk More Action

Instead of making empty demands for change, I’ll BE THE CHANGE. By solving problems the government should have already solved, I’ll deliver results while teaching civil servants how to use technology to GET IT DONE.

NYC’s Missing 2-1-1 System

Almost every major city in the US has a publicly accessible directory of all health, human and social services available in their area. NYC doen’t, and our most vulnerable resident suffer everyday without it.

As a technologist who’s built social service software for clients all over the US, I’ll use my skills to get our city the 2-1-1 system we need.

A Technology Transformation Service

Governments around the world are using technology to provide services faster, better and cheaper than ever before. But in NYC, our city’s leaders drags their feet on common-sense reforms to appease special interests.

I’ve helped governments improve performance the “open source way.” As Public Advocate I’ll help city agencies transform themselves — or else.

Sensational Civic Engagement

Cities around the world are using apps to help residents tell government what to do. NYC doesn’t because our politicians are scared these apps will take away their power and give it to the public. I want that!

I’ve done projects with civic engagement pioneers in the Netherlands, Taiwan, Spain, the USA. I can bring the world’s best solutions here.

The Most Transparent City Government

The Public Advocate should be organizing and improving the nearly 4000 datasets NYC government publishes every year so New Yorkers can use that information to improve their lives and better understand their city.

In 2017 I said I wanted to do this. And I have. Check out databook.wegov.nyc and imagine how much more we could do.

See My Platform

News & Media

DEVIN BALKIND RUNS FOR PUBLIC ADVOCATE WITH A FOCUS ON PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS.

Devin Balkind is a technologist who spent the last decade working with nonprofits, governments and businesses to improve people’s lives. He says: “I’m concerned that the Public Advocate’s office has become a venue for political provocation and propaganda, instead of what it was intended to be — a way to make government more transparent and […]

Disaster Preparedness Requires a 211 System; New York City Still Doesn’t Have One

Over the last few years, New Yorkers have watched with great anxiety as Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, among many other places, were pummeled by massive hurricanes. Whenever we see storm destruction, memories of Sandy re-enter our consciousness; as does the question: Is New York City significantly better prepared for the next big one? My […]

Real Solutions the Public Advocate Should Deliver for New York City

The New York City Public Advocate is a poorly defined position that, over its 30 years of existence, has often been used to advance the political interests and status of career politicians. I’m running for Public Advocate because I want to do something very different with the office: turn it into a “startup” working in […]

It’s Time for a “Participatory” Democracy Instead of our “Consumer” One

Democracy in the United States was established nearly 250 years ago when news traveled at the speed of a horse and real-time collaboration required sharing a physical location. Today, ubiquitous internet access, smartphones, social media, and online collaboration tools have transformed how we work, play and consume, but the basic structure of our politics remains the same.