Government
Mute Your Mic! Virtual City Council Is in Session.
As city governance goes remote during coronavirus lockdowns, local lawmakers struggle with video tech glitches, nude Zoombombing, and other challenges.
The bearded face of Carl D’Alba, director of security for the New York City Council, appeared at the top left corner of the screen. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the New York City Council’s first virtual stated meeting,” he announced. “At this time, please place all electronic devices to vibrate and turn on your video. Please check to see that your microphone is on mute.”
So began the April 22 remote gathering of city legislators — a first in this body’s 82 years of history, and the first time since March 13 that New York’s city council had been able to officially meet at all, since the Covid-19 pandemic put an end to most in-person gatherings.