Participate Upgrade FAQs
The Civic Engagement Commission is excited to report that the participate.nyc.gov website has been rebuilt from the ground up! The new site will launch April 27, 2025. This upgrade will mean more options and capabilities for civic participation in the future. As part of this change, regrettably, we had to make a difficult decision to begin with a new database—that means your participatory history from the old website will no longer be available on the new website. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we hope the benefits of this transition will make up for it.
Can I get a record of my data?
Yes! You will be able to download your data anytime before our April 27, 2025 launch day.
- First, log into your account.
- Then go to https://www.participate.nyc.gov/data_portability and follow the instructions to export your data. Make sure to download the recommended software so that you can open your data file!
What will happen to my ideas and record of participation?
Your ideas will be transferred to the new website as posted by "a Participant" [should we say "a New Yorker"?]. Your record of participation (endorsements and follows) will unfortunately not be transferred.
Why did we upgrade participate.nyc.gov?
- Better accessibility, privacy, and security. Meeting current requirements for accessibility, privacy, and security is a top priority for the Civic Engagement Commission.
- More features now and in the future. We want to set a foundation for building out participatory processes and other features more easily in the future, as well as continuing to create new ways for New Yorkers to participate.
How will the website be improved?
Highlights:
- Complete redesign for a simpler interface
- Easier to use on mobile devices
- Easier to load for people with limited internet connectivity, and everyone else too
- Better accessibility for Participants with low vision
Additionally:
- Immediate access to Spaces and Components on the Home Page
- New navigation reflects the site's structure
- New layouts for a more customizable experience
- New blockchain-based protocol for better security during voting processes
- Multiple statuses on Proposals
- Easier Polls for Meetings
- See your own Voting activity
- Process Types for better sorting
More questions or concerns?
Send an email to [what email should we use? also this should eventually be replaced with a Contact Form].
Thank you for participating!
