By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — One of the city's most powerful agencies is looking to revamp its image with a new website promoting business opportunities in New York City.
The New York Economic Development Corporation, which helps foster economic growth in the city, has put out a call for consultants to give it a digital makeover — the latest in a series of efforts by city agencies across the board to make themselves more web-friendly.
The new EDC website will be be an interactive hub of information for potential investors about opportunities for business development in the city, according to a request for proposals posted on the corporation's current website.
The new look could also help the non-profit corporation improve its public image, which has been tarnished by accusations of financial missteps.
In 2007, the agency was accused of pocketing $7 million in profits that then-Comptroller William Thompson Jr. said should have been turned over to the city. It has also been cited for failing to pay its water and sewer bills.
This year, Comptroller John Liu, accused it of failing to turn over more than $125 million that it owed to the city. Liu also accused the corporation of misspending funds.
The EDC has refuted the accusations.
The corporation hopes the digital makeover, which will come complete with blogs, interactive maps and Twitter feeds, will "enhance its corporate image" and help attract business and jobs to the city.
The move comes as agencies across the city are working to embrace technology — symbolized perhaps most clearly by Mayor Michael Bloomberg's ever-present iPad.
Earlier this month, the city council's committee on technology introduced a bill that will require city agencies to standardize their data, making it easier for computers and smart phones to read.
Last month, the Department of Information Technology and Communications also began its search for a new chief digital officer, who will help to bring the agency into the digital media world.
