Long-serving CTO departs after Adams administration as new mayor’s technology priorities remain undefined
After four years as New York City’s chief technology officer, Matt Fraser announced his resignation effective December 31, 2025, just as Zohran Mamdani assumed the mayoralty. Fraser’s quiet departure from the Office of Technology and Innovation, discovered only through the removal of his biography from the agency website, marks a significant transition in the city’s technology leadership. The development raises questions about how Mamdani’s administration will approach technology policy and whether it will continue the digital equity and broadband initiatives launched under the previous administration.
Fraser’s Record as Chief Technology Officer
Fraser served as CTO since January 2022 under former Mayor Eric Adams. During his tenure, he oversaw significant technological initiatives aimed at expanding digital access across New York City. In his resignation letter, posted internally and later shared publicly, Fraser highlighted achievements in building a unified Office of Technology and Innovation from separate technology organizations. He emphasized cultural transformation and mission-driven work that brought digital services to more New Yorkers in his single term than any prior administration achieved across multiple terms.
Digital Equity and Broadband Initiatives
Among Fraser’s signature accomplishments was expansion of the Big Apple Connect program, which provided broadband assistance to low-income residents. The program was extended for another three years in September 2025. Additionally, Fraser oversaw the Gigabit Centers initiative, bringing free broadband access, devices, and digital skills training to underserved communities. In July 2025, the Adams administration launched Liberty Link, a pilot program designed to bring free or low-cost wireless internet to nearly 2,200 public housing units. These initiatives reflected a commitment to digital equity as essential infrastructure for full participation in contemporary urban life.
Modernization of City Services
Fraser’s office oversaw modernization of how New Yorkers interact with city government. The NYC311 service, NYC Open Data platform, and MyCity chatbot all underwent improvements during his tenure. The MyCity chatbot initially drew criticism for providing incorrect answers to some questions, but represented an effort to deploy artificial intelligence to improve citizen service. Fraser also emphasized the office’s role in cybersecurity, noting successful navigation of the 2024 CrowdStrike global IT outage that disrupted systems worldwide.
Blockchain and Emerging Technology Governance
Under Adams, the city developed forward-looking governance frameworks for emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and blockchain. In October 2024, Adams signed an executive order establishing an Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology, pursuing what some viewed as an innovative economic development strategy and others saw as an unproven technology bet.
The Mamdani Administration’s Early Technology Moves
Immediately upon taking office, Mamdani signed an executive order revoking all orders issued by Adams on or after September 26, 2024, the date the former mayor was indicted on federal corruption charges. This sweeping action eliminated the blockchain office and the blockchain plan itself. The revocation reflects skepticism in Mamdani’s administration about blockchain technology and signals different priorities for how the city will approach digital innovation.
Ruby Choi Assumes Interim CTO Role
Following Fraser’s departure, Ruby Choi, previously OTI’s deputy commissioner for strategic initiatives, assumed the role of acting CTO. However, little else is known about Mamdani’s long-term plans for technology leadership or which specific initiatives he will prioritize. The mayor’s office has not responded to inquiries about planned technology policies or permanent CTO selection criteria. A spokesperson from the Office of Technology and Innovation declined to comment on future direction.
Contrasting Mayoral Technology Visions
The transition from Adams to Mamdani appears to represent a significant shift in technology philosophy. Adams emphasized emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence as economic development tools. Mamdani’s early actions suggest skepticism toward such approaches and a focus on other municipal priorities. Whether Mamdani will maintain digital equity initiatives launched under his predecessor or redirect those resources elsewhere remains to be determined.
Questions About Technology Priorities
The absence of clarity about Mamdani’s technology agenda raises questions for New Yorkers who depend on city digital services and broadband access. Will Big Apple Connect continue expanding? Will Gigabit Centers keep growing? Will the city continue investing in cybersecurity infrastructure? Will artificial intelligence governance frameworks be maintained or revised? Mamdani has been vocal about overhaul plans for numerous city social programs but has been noticeably quiet about technology policy specifics.
The State of Urban Technology Governance
New York City’s experience reflects broader questions about how municipal governments should approach rapidly evolving technologies. Should cities pursue emerging technologies like blockchain that remain unproven in municipal contexts? Should cities focus on expanding broadband access and digital literacy as more essential to equity? Should municipal technology offices prioritize government service modernization or economic development through technology innovation?
Authority Links for Understanding Technology Policy
For information about municipal technology governance, consult the U.S. Chief Information Officer website. Details about New York City digital services appear at the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications. Information about broadband policy and digital equity is available at the Federal Communications Commission Broadband Data page. Cybersecurity best practices for municipalities are detailed at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
