Boston

About Boston

Boston Beta, also known as Beta Blocks, is a civic experimentation initiative designed to foster meaningful relationships between communities, technology companies, researchers, and designers. It functions as a program of the City of Boston's Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM), which was formed in 2010. The project was designed and implemented in 2018-19 in three Boston neighborhoods: Chinatown, Codman Square, and Lower Allston.

The core of the project involves creating "Exploration Zones" where urban technologies are temporarily installed for public engagement and feedback. This process is a response to the lack of public dialogue about the values and privacy concerns of smart city tools and the need for clearer processes for civic experimentation. The initiative is not about a large-scale deployment of sensors but rather an invitation for the public to help shape the future of their neighborhoods and hold the city accountable. Beta Blocks provides a framework for communities to identify challenges and connect with partners who may offer solutions, ensuring residents can influence decisions about technology deployment in public spaces. The project has received funding from a Knight Foundation grant and a Bloomberg Philanthropies Innovation Team grant.