New York City Buildings Department launches Innovation Review Board

The New York City Department of Buildings recently launched an Innovation Review Board that will evaluate cutting-edge technologies that could be used in the city’s construction and development sectors.

The department is looking for volunteers from the construction, real estate, labor, technology, architectural, and engineering communities to staff the initiative. Volunteers selected will join government subject matter experts from the department and other city agencies in regular meetings to discuss emerging technologies that could be implemented to improve efficiency, safety, sustainability, and resiliency.

“Our Innovation Review Board is an incredible opportunity for government and the private sector to work together on new ideas that can help transform the development industry,” said Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo. “With this open call for volunteers, we are reaching out directly to the experts who know this world best, so they can help us modernize the way we build and maintain our city.”

“To support these ideas, DOB will consider potential code updates, agency rule changes, and guidance bulletins, so that the ideas can be safely implemented in our city for the benefit of all New Yorkers,” according to a department news release.