Results tagged “cityagencies”

Mayor Bloomberg isn't kidding when he says, "This is not going to be a feel-good time." He asked city agencies to trim their budgets. WNBC reports the request is to "cut $500 million from their budgets this year and $1 billion next year," as Bloomberg prepares the city for less revenue, due to Wall Street's dwindling fortunes (he's been on this train of thought for a while). Apparently these cuts are equivalent to 2.5% of budgets this year and 5% next year. Last year around this time, Bloomberg wanted agencies to be careful with spending.

Various city agencies are using a $500 million wireless network that makes information more accessible and immediate. Examples the NY Times gives are suspects' photos viewable from police cars, "live video of fires taken from traffic helicopters above" for firefighters," and "housing inspectors will be capable of looking up building plans while on location." While there are some concerns from unions that employees will be monitored, the city hopes the new technology will help save money in the long run. And already, it's enabling the Department of Sanitation to pick up detritus, like a dead opossum, more quickly.