New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. has awarded a total of $310,000 to five Bronx community boards to modernize their technology infrastructure and improve community engagement.
The funding, distributed throughout October 2024, provides $62,000 each to Bronx Community Boards 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9.
This investment will equip the boards with upgraded video conferencing tools, including high-quality Owl systems, allowing for more effective virtual meetings—a necessity highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when many boards struggled with outdated technology. Additional enhancements include new TVs, laptops, translation equipment, projectors, audiovisual hardware, and backup servers to bolster community outreach and accessibility.
“During my time as District Manager, I saw firsthand how community boards are left to fend for themselves to upgrade their technology,” Council Member Salamanca said. “When COVID-19 hit, it became apparent community boards didn’t have the proper resources to hold virtual community meetings and that their technology was old and inefficient, which inspired me to secure this $310,000 in funding.”
The upgrades aim to ensure that Bronx residents have greater access to local government proceedings, fostering more inclusive and effective community engagement across the borough.
