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Matthew Fraser

Chief Technology Officer of the City of New York, who led the city's first Artificial Intelligence Action Plan and the MyCity platform

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Overview

Matthew Fraser served as Chief Technology Officer of the City of New York at the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation [1]. Fraser led the city's first Artificial Intelligence Action Plan and the MyCity platform [1].

Insights & ideas

The through-line

Fraser's argument, repeated in different forms, is that government has kept delivering decent services while the rest of the world rebuilt how services are delivered, and that the gap is measured in harm to real people. He frames his own seat as a chance to close it: when he took the top technology job for the city in January 2022, he looked "not what technology is and what technology can do to serve the government exclusively, but what it can do to serve the people and how can we serve people better" [1]. His benchmark is consumer industry, not other agencies. He points to hailing a cab, which once meant picking up a phone, giving an address and waiting, and now happens from a phone anywhere a service operates, and concludes that "government's evolved and we provide a lot of good services but we haven't evolved at the same rate that the rest of the world has evolved and adapted to use technology" [1].

Underneath the operating philosophy is a personal one. He describes himself as a Brooklyn kid whose parents immigrated from Guyana, raised in a household "full of like love, care, and and support," with a father who worked at the MTA, uncles in public service and some who served in the military, and he locates helping people "at the intersection uh between drive and purpose" [1]. He expected government to be a short stop, "almost like, you know, if you look at life like F1, you pull into the service lane, they change your tires," a place to pick up skills before moving to the private sector, and stayed because he found "government isn't just one thing. It's a bunch of different things" [1].

On serving people rather than serving the government

The test Fraser applies to any proposed system or program is deliberately narrow. "The first question that I typically have is who's going to use it and how," followed by how it will make a difference [1]. If the audience is unclear, or the route to access is unclear, or the impact is unclear, "then it usually means that we're heading in the wrong direction" [1]. He extends this into a rule against building for the sake of building: "you can't innovate for innovation sake," and project design cannot rest "based on ego. You've got to do it based on purpose" [1]. The corollary he keeps returning to is that technology has to meet people where they are rather than making them come to it, because "you can build the best product in the world but if no one knows how to access it or you or they can't access it it's not going to serve anyone" [1]. In practice that means every team meeting begins with who is being served, on what timeline, and whether it can be done faster [1].

On the cost of inaction

Fraser's sharpest management move is to price delay. He inherited an Internet Master Plan carrying $157 million that had been allocated two years earlier, with "not a single connection had been delivered to a single New Yorker" [1]. When his team came back after thirty days with a plan involving cable providers laying fiber and connecting buildings on a five-year horizon, he refused the timeline on the grounds that "every day you don't do something, it's a tangible impact, a real impact to a New Yorker," asking how many more children would be left behind over those five years [1]. He traces the instinct to time spent in public safety at the NYPD, where "minutes matter, seconds matter," and where failing to answer a call or code a job correctly can put a life in jeopardy; knowing that decisions "impact people's lives in a material way" reset how he reads every situation, in government and outside it [1].

On connectivity as infrastructure, not amenity

The digital divide is where he makes his case most concretely. When the administration took office, more than 40 percent of residents in New York City public housing lacked internet access, and those developments overlapped with areas of high gun violence involving children between twelve and seventeen [1]. His account of the pandemic is about social fracture as much as schooling: children sent home with tablets and no way to use them lost both the education and the peer contact that connected classmates kept through FaceTime, WhatsApp and Roblox, and returned to classrooms two years later not operating at their peers' level, with "those social bonds and ties" broken [1]. That, in his telling, is how frustrated kids drift into groups that make poor decisions and "fall into that river" [1].

His answer was to convene rather than to build. He brought Altis, Charter Communications and Verizon into a room and asked what a partnership to deliver existing connectivity would take, and within two months the city launched Big Apple Connect, which within a year provided free internet and free basic TV across New York City's public housing, reaching over 300,000 people [1]. He reads connectivity as "the digital equivalent of like water," with a device as the fishing rod and skills training as the lesson that lets people feed themselves for a lifetime, and values the outcome because it changed quality of life "not just for a moment in time" but in perpetuity [1].

On leading change inside a bureaucracy

Fraser's method for the biggest problems is triage plus opportunism: "let's figure out what the most thorny issues are and let's look at the ones that can affect the most people in the most positive way and let's chase those and if along the way look at other opportunities to revolutionize government in a smart way" [1]. He gives teams tight, explicit deadlines, as with the thirty days he allowed for a broadband plan, then argues them out of incrementalism by putting the human cost of the timeline on the table [1]. He also reframes what looks like an administrative failure: money sitting unspent for two years "seems like it's broken but if you look at below the surface what's really broken was during that period how poorly we serve the people of the city" [1].

On responsibility and staying grounded

He is candid that the seat carries a private cost. "There's one question that that haunts me most nights," he says: "what if I'm not good enough? What if the person that sits in the top seat is not making the right decision every day to help the most people?" [1]. He steadies himself with inherited guidance, invoking, with a nerd's self-aware joke about its actual source, that "with great power comes great responsibility" as the right frame for representing a city that is watched and critiqued globally [1]. He also reads his own position as evidence of something larger, two parents who immigrated in search of the American dream and a first-generation child who now leads in the city they came to [1].

On what he tells his younger self

His advice is deliberately unpolished. He was "a decent kid. I wasn't the best. I wasn't the worst," and would not have predicted this role, nor would his parents have [2]. The message is that "it gets better," and that neither a flawless decision record nor "a stellar academic performance all the way throughout life" is required "to be the person in the top seat" [2]. He offers himself as the proof: "through grit, hard work, and determination, anything is possible" [2].

Takeaways

  • Judge any government technology project by three questions: who will use it, how they will access it, and what difference it makes; if any is unclear, the project is heading the wrong way [1].
  • Delay has a price that should be stated out loud. A five-year fiber plan was rejected by asking how many more children would be left behind in those five years [1].
  • Convening existing providers can beat building. Bringing Altis, Charter Communications and Verizon into one room produced Big Apple Connect within two months, delivering free internet and basic TV to New York City public housing and reaching over 300,000 people inside a year [1].
  • Connectivity is "the digital equivalent of like water"; the device is the fishing rod and training is the skill that lasts a lifetime [1].
  • Public safety work teaches that "minutes matter, seconds matter," a standard Fraser carries into all service delivery [1].
  • Innovation for its own sake and projects driven by ego are both failures of purpose; the benchmark is who is served and how fast [1].
  • Unspent budgets are a symptom, not the problem; the real failure is the service people went without during the delay [1].
  • Neither straight A's nor a perfect decision record is a prerequisite for the top seat [2].

Media & appearances

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  • Best of the SpectatorApple Podcasts
    Spectator Out Loud: Tali Fraser, Damian Thompson, Matthew Wilson & Christa d’SouzaThis week: Tali Fraser gives the definitive answer to what Andy Burnham’s ‘Manchesterism’ actually is; Damian Thompson asks if there is any route back for the Society of St Pius X; Matthew Wilson discusses whether Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey can
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    #148 - Australia's New Crypto Laws Are Coming. Here's What Changes.Matthew sits down with Blake Cassidy, CEO of Bamboo and co-host of Crypto Curious, to unpack one big idea: how everyday investors can safely build wealth in crypto. They break down why insurance in crypto is often more marketing than meaningful, how upc
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    #125 - Should You Leave Australia To Protect Your Bitcoin?! 🛡️🏃Join Matthew's community for FREE and kickstart your crypto journey! Access the Crypto Kickstart Mini Course and expert strategies from a multi 7-figure investor: https://www.skool.com/matthewfraser In this episode of Crypto Collective, host Matthew Fr
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    #122 - Australia’s Tax Prison (Is Your BTC At Risk?) ❌ 😱Join Matthew's community for FREE and kickstart your crypto journey! Access the Crypto Kickstart Mini Course and expert strategies from a multi 7-figure investor: https://www.skool.com/matthewfraser In this episode of Crypto Collective, host Matthew Fra
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    #118 - The Government Just Declared War on Your Wealth! 💣💰In this episode of Crypto Collective, host Matthew Fraser dives into the complexities of unrealized capital gains tax and its implications for everyday Australians, emphasizing how it could diminish retirement savings. He expresses strong opinions on th
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    #98 - 15 Minutes Of TERRIBLE TikTok Crypto Predictions! 😱 📉Join Matthew's community for FREE and kickstart your crypto journey! Access the Crypto Kickstart Mini Course and expert strategies from a multi 7-figure investor: https://www.skool.com/matthewfraser In this episode of Crypto Collective, host Matthew Fraser dives into the current state of the cryptocurrency market, expressing frustration over market volatility and the shocking success stories of some investors. He discusses misleading announcements regarding altcoins, particularly XRP and Solana, and shares his personal journey from e-commerce to crypto investment. The episode features reactions to the performance of meme coins like Dogecoin, with Matthew revealing his own decisions and concerns about selling his Doge holdings. He highlights the ongoing issues of rug pulls in the market and speculates on whether notable figures, including Trump, are influencing trends for personal gain. Matthew emphasizes the fundamental cycle of accumulation, manipulation, and distribution in crypto, providing listeners with insights to navigate this complex landscape. 🔥 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗥𝗬𝗣𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 - 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠 $𝟮𝟬 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗢𝗜𝗡! I'm a big fan of SwyftX, sign up and get $20 in Bitcoin after verification (redeem it in the rewards section). Trade smarter with one of Australia’s top crypto platforms.
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    #090 - Where Is Bitcoin Headed? 6 SHOCKING Predictions for 2025! 🚀 📉Join Matthew's community for FREE and kickstart your crypto journey! Access the Crypto Kickstart Mini Course and expert strategies from a multi 7-figure investor: https://www.skool.com/matthewfraser In this episode of Crypto Collective, host Matthew Fraser shares his insights on Bitcoin price predictions for 2025, estimating a range between $150,000 and $250,000 USD, with some experts even suggesting potential highs of $500,000 within the next five years. Fraser emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking in cryptocurrency investments and highlights the potential pitfalls for those who may not hold through market fluctuations. He also discusses the implications of banks being able to hold Bitcoin without cash backing, suggesting significant changes ahead for the cryptocurrency landscape. Looking to sign up to a Crypto exchange? I'm a big fan of SwyftX, use the below code to get $20 in BTC after verification—redeem it in the rewards section: https://trade.swyftx.com/register/?ref=fraser&promoRef=fraser_btc20 Follow Matthew: Compound Interest App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1509212588 Referral link: https://trade.swyftx.com/register/?ref=fraser&promoRef=fraser_btc20 Timestamps:
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    #089 - Crypto Crash Incoming? Bitcoin MULTI-MILLIONAIRE Reacts! 🚨💰Join Matthew's community for FREE and kickstart your crypto journey! Access the Crypto Kickstart Mini Course and expert strategies from a multi 7-figure investor: https://www.skool.com/matthewfraser In this episode of Crypto Collective, host Matthew Fraser dives into the current state of the crypto market amidst economic uncertainties. He shares his concerns about the security of holding significant amounts of cryptocurrency on exchanges like Coinbase, discussing the risks of theft and scams. Matthew emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard your digital assets, particularly for family members who may need access in case of emergencies. He also critiques a particular figure in the crypto space, highlighting the necessity of being cautious and informed in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency. Looking to sign up to a Crypto exchange? I'm a big fan of SwyftX, use the below code to get $20 in BTC after verification—redeem it in the rewards section: https://trade.swyftx.com/register/?ref=fraser&promoRef=fraser_btc20 Follow Matthew: Compound Interest App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1509212588 Referral link: https://trade.swyftx.com/register/?ref=fraser&promoRef=fraser_btc20 Timestamps:
  • Crypto CollectiveApple Podcasts
    #079 - Bitcoin Scams You NEED To Know About ⚠️💸Join Matthew's community for FREE and kickstart your crypto journey! Access the Crypto Kickstart Mini Course and expert strategies from a multi 7-figure investor: https://www.skool.com/matthewfraser In this episode of Crypto Collective, host Matthew Fraser dives into the critical topic of scams in the cryptocurrency space, emphasizing the importance of awareness and self-custody. He highlights the notorious FTX collapse of 2022, discussing how the once-prominent exchange attracted massive investments only to fail spectacularly. Matthew shares vital lessons learned from this scandal, urging listeners not to keep all their crypto assets tied to a single exchange. He stresses the value of self-custody to protect personal investments. Join Matthew as he breaks down various sophisticated scams and equips you with the knowledge to navigate the often treacherous waters of cryptocurrency safely. Tune in to safeguard your investments and build real wealth! Follow Matthew: Compound Interest App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1509212588 Referral link: https://trade.swyftx.com/register/?ref=fraser&promoRef=fraser_btc20 Timestamps:
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    #075 - Don’t Pick A Crypto Exchange Without Watching THIS 🚨💰Join Matthew's community for FREE and kickstart your crypto journey! Access the Crypto Kickstart Mini Course and expert strategies from a multi 7-figure investor: https://www.skool.com/matthewfraser In this episode of Crypto Collective, host Matthew Fraser dives into one of the most pressing questions for newcomers to the crypto space: which exchange should you use to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies? Matthew emphasizes the importance of doing your research before choosing an exchange, as the crypto landscape can be risky, with many users facing challenges when using high leverage. He discusses the various factors to consider, such as KYC requirements, fees, and the safety of your funds. By the end of the episode, listeners will not only have a better understanding of the different exchanges available but will also learn about the specific platform that Matthew personally recommends based on his experience. Tune in to make informed decisions in your crypto journey! Follow Matthew: Timestamps:
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    #074 - The 5 BEST Bitcoin Resources for Beginners in the Crypto World! 📖 🚀Join Matthew's community for FREE and kickstart your crypto journey! Access the Crypto Kickstart Mini Course and expert strategies from a multi 7-figure investor: https://www.skool.com/matthewfraser In this episode of Crypto Collective, host Matthew Fraser shares his top five essential resources for anyone new to the Bitcoin space. He emphasizes the importance of starting with "The Bitcoin Standard" by Saifedean Ammous, highlighting its comprehensive insights into Bitcoin's economic implications and its role as digital gold. Matthew also recommends following the YouTube channel Invest Answers with James for valuable investing insights and expresses his admiration for Mark Moss and his Bitcoin forecasting spreadsheets. Whether you're just beginning your crypto journey or looking to enhance your knowledge, this episode provides a solid foundation for building real wealth in the world of Bitcoin. Tune in to set yourself up for financial success! Follow Matthew: Timestamps:
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    #064 - How To CRUSH Facebook Ads For Amazon and Ecommerce 🚀📈Join Matthew's community and LAUNCH your first Amazon product in UNDER 5 HOURS by following the Amazon Launchpad Mini Course: https://bit.ly/AmazonLaunchPadCourse In this episode of Amazon Ecom Secrets, host Matthew Fraser dives into the world of Facebook ads with expert Derek Videll, the owner of Social Bamboo. With nearly a decade of experience, Derek shares invaluable insights on creating successful ad campaigns for e-commerce brands. Listeners will learn effective strategies for identifying profitable products, particularly in the supplement industry, and the importance of sourcing ingredients from the U.S. Derek discusses how to target the right audience at the perfect time and emphasizes that the success of an ad campaign often reflects the quality of the product. The episode also touches on the potential impact of AI on the advertising landscape. Join us for actionable tips to escape the nine-to-five grind and thrive as an entrepreneur! Learn the six most profitable ways to make money on Amazon with Matthew Fraser on the Amazon Ecomm Secrets podcast. Discover the differences between Amazon FBA (Fulfilled By Amazon) and Amazon FBM (Fulfilled By Merchant) to generate income on the platform. From leveraging dropshipping to managing your own stock, explore various strategies to start earning on Amazon and escape the nine-to-five grind.
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    #062 - ChatGPT Reveals the BEST Ecomm Products To Sell! 🛍️🤖Join Matthew's community and LAUNCH your first Amazon product in UNDER 5 HOURS by following the Amazon Launchpad Mini Course: https://bit.ly/AmazonLaunchPadCourse In this episode of Amazon Ecom Secrets, host Matthew Fraser explores the top-selling products predicted for the upcoming year, utilizing insights from ChatGPT. Matthew shares his journey from significant debt to becoming an eight-figure entrepreneur, aiming to help listeners escape the nine-to-five grind. The episode delves into the first product: gardening tools, highlighting their growing search volume, pricing strategies, and the importance of minimum order quantities (MOQ) when sourcing from suppliers, particularly in China. Matthew emphasizes the need for a retail price above $30 to ensure profitability. Learn the six most profitable ways to make money on Amazon with Matthew Fraser on the Amazon Ecom Secrets podcast. Discover the differences between Amazon FBA (Fulfilled By Amazon) and Amazon FBM (Fulfilled By Merchant) to generate income on the platform. From leveraging dropshipping to managing your own stock, explore various strategies to start earning on Amazon and escape the nine-to-five grind. Follow Matthew: Timestamps:
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    #016 - ULTIMATE Guide For Financial Freedom! 💰 🔑In this episode of Amazon Ecom Secrets, Matthew Fraser discusses various financing options for entrepreneurs, including inventory finance, manufacturer finance, and seller finance. He delves into the tax implications of different financing methods and shares insights on the concept of paying taxes and opting out of the tax system. Join Matthew as he shares his top three tips for starting a successful business and navigating the world of finance. Join Matthew's FREE community and get the EXACT 8 Steps to 8 Figures Blueprint, that Matthew used to generate over AU$40 million in sales across Amazon and Shopify for FREE: https://bit.ly/8StepsTo8Figures If you're seeking mentoring to elevate your ecommerce biz, Matthew offers one on one and group mentoring options, book a FREE discovery call to chat with him here: https://calendly.com/matthew_fraser/free-discovery-call Follow Matthew: Timestamps:
  • Crypto CollectiveApple Podcasts
    #012 - FAQs Every Amazon Beginner Should Know! 🚀🌟In this episode of Amazon Ecomm Secrets, Matthew Fraser addresses common beginner questions about starting a business on Amazon. He discusses the costs involved, such as Amazon training courses, setting up legal entities, and potential future expenses like trademarks and patents. Fraser emphasizes the importance of offering a top-selling product to succeed on Amazon and shares insights to help entrepreneurs transition from debt to successful e-commerce ventures. Join Matthew's FREE community and get the EXACT 8 Steps to 8 Figures Blueprint, that Matthew used to generate over AU$40 million in sales across Amazon and Shopify for FREE: https://bit.ly/8StepsTo8Figures If you're seeking mentoring to elevate your ecommerce biz, Matthew offers one on one and group mentoring options, book a FREE discovery call to chat with him here: https://calendly.com/matthew_fraser/free-discovery-call Follow Matthew: Timestamps:
  • Crypto CollectiveApple Podcasts
    #003 - How to AVOID Your Amazon Startup From Failing 😱💪In this episode of Amazon Ecomm Secrets, Matthew Fraser shares valuable insights on avoiding pitfalls when starting a business. Drawing from his own experience of going from millions in debt to an eight-figure entrepreneur, he highlights common struggles faced by entrepreneurs, especially when launching products on platforms like Amazon. Tune in to gain expert advice on navigating the challenges of startups and product launches. Join Matthew's FREE community and get the EXACT 8 Steps to 8 Figures Blueprint, that Matthew used to generate over AU$40 million in sales across Amazon and Shopify for FREE: https://bit.ly/8StepsTo8Figures If you're seeking mentoring to elevate your ecommerce biz, Matthew offers one on one and group mentoring options, book a FREE discovery call to chat with him here: https://calendly.com/matthew_fraser/free-discovery-call Follow Matthew: Work with Matthew: Timestamps
  • Crypto CollectiveApple Podcasts
    #001 - How I Made $40m in Online Sales From Scratch 💰In this episode of Amazon Ecomm Secrets, Matthew Fraser shares his journey from being $1 million in debt to achieving over $40 million in business sales. He discusses driving for Uber to make ends meet, investing in an Amazon course, and turning a product into a $10 million a year revenue stream. Learn how Matthew went from debt to success and discover the secrets that helped him become an eight-figure entrepreneur in the e-commerce world. Join Matthew's FREE community and get the EXACT 8 Steps to 8 Figures Blueprint, that Matthew used to generate over AU$40 million in sales across Amazon and Shopify for FREE: https://bit.ly/8StepsTo8Figures If you're seeking mentoring to elevate your ecommerce biz, Matthew offers one on one and group mentoring options, book a FREE discovery call to chat with him here: https://calendly.com/matthew_fraser/free-discovery-call Follow Matthew: Work with Matthew: Timestamps

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