New York City Automated Decision Systems Task Force

The New York City Automated Decision Systems Task Force (ADS Task Force) was established by Local Law 49 of 2018 and was tasked with recommending a process for reviewing the City’s use of automated decision systems (more commonly known as algorithms). Because many City agencies and offices use algorithms to aid their decision-making, and because automated decision systems are becoming more prevalent in all fields, the City is examining ways to ensure these systems align with the goal of making New York City a fairer and more equitable place.

The first of its kind in the country, the Task Force was chaired by Jeff Thamkittikasem, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Operations, and co-chaired by Kelly Jin, Chief Analytics Officer and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Data Analytics, and Brittny Saunders, Deputy Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives at the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Task Force members included representatives from various government agencies and offices as well as partners from the private sector, nonprofit, advocacy, and research communities.