City council votes to codify Department of Innovation and Technology

The Boston City Council voted to codify the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), converting the office from its current administrative form into a department established by ordinance and giving it formal authority to manage citywide digital services, data governance and memorandums of understanding with quasi‑independent agencies.

Proponents said codifying DoIT will strengthen the city’s technology stewardship, improve data access across agencies, support workforce upskilling and boost cybersecurity protections.

Councilor Tisha Worrell and Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata sponsored the ordinance and described the item as a multi‑year priority. Councilors praised DoIT’s work on digitizing permits and services, and on piloting a permanent process to simplify applications for residents. Councilor Braden and others emphasized the department’s role in defending city systems from cyber threats and urged budgetary support for DoIT staffing and tools.

The council passed the ordinance after a motion to substitute and a suspension of the rules; several members spoke in favor and the item was adopted by voice vote following the suspension and passage motion. Supporters noted DoIT’s existing responsibilities and said codification would provide clearer authority and enable the department to execute cross‑agency MOUs and data‑sharing agreements.

Councilors who spoke included the bill sponsors and several at‑large and district members who described DoIT’s role in closing the digital divide and improving access to city services for seniors, public‑housing residents and immigrants. The ordinance passed on the council floor and will be in effect after any required mayoral action and administrative steps.

Council materials and the hearing record indicate remaining follow‑up steps include updating ordinance text for minor name spellings and coordinating with the administration on staffing and implementation details. Law department and DoIT leaders committed to continued collaboration on codification language and operational rollout.

This action formalizes DoIT’s position as the city’s central technology steward and signals continued council and administration attention to cybersecurity, digital service delivery and data governance.