City Council - Labor, Workforce, & Economic Development Committee Hearing on Dockets #1625, 1658-1660, 1691-1695, 1697, & 1832

October 27, 2025
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City Council - Labor, Workforce, & Economic Development Committee Hearing on Dockets #1625, 1658-1660, 1691-1695, 1697, & 1832

Meeting Date: October 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM Governing Body: Boston City Council - Committee on Labor, Workforce, & Economic Development Type of Meeting: Virtual Public Hearing

Attendees:

  • Councilors: Benjamin Weber (Chair), Edward Flynn, Ruthzee Louijeune, Liz Breadon, Erin Murphy
  • Administration & Panelists: Joseph Lay (Chief of Staff, Worker Empowerment Cabinet), Katie Gall (Director of Grants, Worker Empowerment Cabinet), Neil Sullivan (Executive Director, Boston Private Industry Council), Angela McCabe (Director of Worker Empowerment, Boston Private Industry Council), Anna Schur (Office of Workforce Development)
  • Central Staff: Karishma Chouhan, Ethan

Executive Summary

The Committee on Labor, Workforce, & Economic Development convened to review and discuss eleven grants totaling $8,981,031.76. These grants, primarily from the U.S. Department of Labor, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, and the MassHire Department of Career Services, are intended to fund various workforce development and youth employment programs in Boston. Key discussions focused on the allocation of funds for youth employment, adult education, dislocated worker services, and the operational support of MassHire Career Centers, emphasizing the importance of these programs for Boston residents, particularly those facing barriers to employment.

Meeting Agenda and Minutes

I. Call to Order and Meeting Logistics

  • Councilor Benjamin Weber, District 6 City Councilor and Chair of the Committee on Labor, Workforce, & Economic Development, called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM.
  • The hearing was conducted virtually via Zoom, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, modifying Open Meeting Law requirements.
  • The meeting was recorded, live-streamed on boston.gov/city-council-tv, and broadcast on Xfinity Channel 8, RCN Channel 82, and Fios Channel 964.
  • Written comments could be submitted to ccc.labor@boston.gov.
  • Public testimony was scheduled for the end of the hearing, with individuals allotted two minutes to speak. Sign-up was available by emailing Karishma Chouhan at Karishma.Chouhan@Boston.gov.

II. Introduction of Grants

  • Chair Weber introduced the hearing's focus on 11 grants totaling $8,981,031.76.
    • Nine grants are from the U.S. Department of Labor.
    • One grant is from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
    • One grant is from the MassHire Department of Career Services.
  • The grants were sponsored by Mayor Michelle Wu and referred to the committee on various dates:
    • September 10, 2025: Docket #1625
    • September 17, 2025: Docket #1658, #1659, #1660
    • September 24, 2025: Docket #1691, #1692, #1693, #1694, #1695, #1697
    • October 22, 2025: Docket #1832

III. Grant Summaries by Docket Number

Chair Weber read summaries of all eleven grants into the record:

  • Docket #1625: A $1,045,187 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, administered by the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, to fund youth employment and development through the YouthWorks Program.
  • Docket #1658: A $222,041 WIOA Youth Activities Administration Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, to fund a program for out-of-school youth aged 14-24 facing barriers to education, training, and employment.
  • Docket #1659: A $173,229 WIOA Adult Activities Administration Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, to fund a seamless system of adult education, workforce preparation, and training services.
  • Docket #1660: An $89,593 Wagner-Peyser Administration Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered by the Office of Workforce Development.
  • Docket #1691: A $1,998,370 WIOA Youth Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, to fund a comprehensive youth employment program for eligible youth aged 14-24 facing barriers to education, training, and employment.
  • Docket #1692: A $1,559,065 WIOA Adult Activities Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, to fund services helping job seekers access employment, education, skills training, apprenticeships, and support services.
  • Docket #1693: A $1,040,435 Wagner-Peyser Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, to fund re-employment needs of unemployment insurance claimants, prevent improper benefit payments, and assist with training and education resources.
  • Docket #1694: A $966,006 WIOA Dislocated Workers Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, to fund a program helping dislocated workers return to work quickly and overcome employment barriers.
  • Docket #1695: An $884,111 One-Stop Career Center Grant from the MassHire Department of Career Services, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, to fund comprehensive career services for unemployed job seekers (e.g., job postings, career counseling, job coaching, education, skills training, job placement).
  • Docket #1697: A $107,334 WIOA Dislocated Workers Administration Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, to fund individualized career and training services for dislocated workers.
  • Docket #1832: An $895,657.87 RESEA Program for FY25 Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered by the Office of Workforce Development, to fund re-employment needs of unemployment insurance claimants, prevent improper benefit payments, and assist with training and education resources.

IV. Opening Statements from Councilors

  • Councilor Edward Flynn: Thanked the administration and panelists for their important work, highlighting the value of learning about city partners helping residents in need.
  • Council President Ruthzee Louijeune: Expressed gratitude for the hearings and the administration's presence, emphasizing her support for job training and grants that address economic disparities.
  • Councilor Liz Breadon: Looked forward to learning more about the grants and how they can build upon existing foundations.
  • Councilor Erin Murphy: Thanked the panelists and administration for their work and expressed support for strengthening current initiatives.

V. Presentation by Administration and Panelists

  • Joseph Lay (Worker Empowerment Cabinet): Introduced Katie Gall to present on how the grant funds will be utilized in FY26 to support Boston residents.
  • Katie Gall (Worker Empowerment Cabinet):
    • Presented a slide deck detailing the formula funding received from the State Department of Career Services for job training and placement activities.
    • Docket #1625 (YouthWorks Funding):
      • Funding comes from the Commonwealth Corporation, with Boston receiving $4.1 million this year.
      • Funds are commingled with City of Boston funds and private philanthropic dollars.
      • Administered by the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity (YEO) to provide employment opportunities for low-income youth and youth with barriers to employment.
      • Partners include The PIC, YEO, YOU Boston, ABCD, Fresh Films, and Digital Ready.
    • Department of Career Services Funding:
      • The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) serves as the fiscal agent for the Boston Workforce Board, led by The PIC.
      • Funds are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor and allocated by the state on a formula basis.
      • Boston has two MassHire Career Centers: MassHire Boston Downtown (led by JVS) and MassHire Boston ABCD.
      • Funds are braided into a single budget for career centers, except for youth funds.
      • Career centers provide services, recruit individuals, build community partnerships, and determine eligibility for funding categories.
      • Community Partnerships/Access Points: Charlestown Adult Education (BHA Charlestown), St. Francis House (homeless adults), adult education liaison, youth and young adult liaison (18-24 age range).
      • Services include bridging programs to community college and job training (e.g., CDL, medical assistant, CNA).
    • Wagner-Peyser Act Funding: Supports general career center operations (counseling, resume prep, workshops, labor market info, career fairs, employer services).
      • In FY25, two career centers served nearly 16,000 job seekers, including 14,406 unemployed.
      • Priority of services for veterans.
    • One-Stop Career Center Funding ($884,000): State line item supplementing Department of Labor funding for MassHire Career Center operations.
    • WIOA Adult and Admin Funding: Supports services for qualified adults at career centers, including Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) for tuition for short-term job training.
    • WIOA Dislocated Worker Funds: Supports individuals laid off or who lost jobs, focusing on re-employment services (counseling, coaching, job search) for UI recipients.
    • RESEA (Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment): Mandatory support for unemployment insurance recipients, requiring registration for services and job search to reduce UI duration.
    • WIOA Youth Program and Admin Dollars (Dockets #1691, #1659):
      • Managed separately from career centers.
      • Supports out-of-school young adults (18-24) with significant employment barriers.
      • Funds long-term, holistic job training with wraparound services and work-based learning.
      • Recipients include ABCD (Level Up), Catholic Charities (Notre Dame Education Center), More Than Words, Mujeres Unidas Avanzando, Excel Pathways Program (HiSET recipients, HVAC/EMT training), and YouthBuild Boston.
      • Supports centralized services: Boston Youth Services Network (monthly convening), licensed therapist for youth mental/behavioral health, full-time staff for youth eligibility documentation.
      • Expected to serve approximately 85 youth with these dollars.
  • Neil Sullivan (Boston Private Industry Council):
    • Emphasized the "bundling and braiding" of revenue streams by OWD and PIC staff to fund career centers and training vouchers.
    • The Workforce Board (30+ mayoral appointees) oversees these funds, with vetting through the Workforce Development Committee and Youth Council.
    • YouthWorks grants are handled by the city due to PIC's role as an implementer.
    • Highlighted the PIC's role in subsidized summer jobs and private sector placements.
  • Angela McCabe (Boston Private Industry Council):
    • Confirmed Neil Sullivan's remarks, noting her extensive experience in workforce development.

VI. Councilor Questions and Discussion

  • Councilor Edward Flynn:

    • Question: How does the Private Industry Council and the city reach public housing residents who may be unaware of these programs?
    • Neil Sullivan's Response:
      • BHA administrators are on the Workforce Board, ensuring integration.
      • Access points exist, such as Charlestown Adult Education in the Charlestown Bunker Hill Housing Development.
      • ABCD's Roxbury-based career center leverages Area Planning Advisory Councils (APACs) in priority neighborhoods.
      • Virtual service programs are also available.
      • Public housing residents are a top priority.
    • Question: What is being done to ensure persons with disabilities have access to job training and successful job placement?
    • Angela McCabe's Response:
      • Each career center is fully accessible with necessary equipment and staff.
      • ABCD and JVS have large programs for people with disabilities.
      • A unique partnership under WIOA requires collaboration with federally funded partners (Title I, II, III, IV - Rehab).
      • A group of 15-16 partners, including Mass Rehab and Escalation for the Blind, meet quarterly to streamline services and avoid duplication.
      • These individuals are considered "shared customers," allowing for credit to both referring and serving agencies.
      • WIOA customers must meet a 75% graduation rate and a 70% placement rate.
    • Neil Sullivan's Additional Comment: The "shared customer" policy under WIOA 2014 was a significant policy breakthrough, allowing full credit to multiple agencies for positive outcomes, fostering collaboration.

  • Councilor Liz Breadon:

    • Question: How are grants used for ESOL, and does the program work with organizations in Allston-Brighton, such as the Jackson Mann Community Centre?
    • Angela McCabe's Response: Noted that the specific Allston-Brighton organizations would require follow-up. Emphasized ESOL's critical role for new arrivals and those seeking better jobs.
    • Question: How many organizations are involved in YouthWorks across the city?
    • Katie Gall's Response:
      • The current grant is an internal transfer from OWD to YEO.
      • The entire package of YouthWorks grants (approved in April) involves seven subrecipients, including YEO, leading to hundreds of job sites.
      • Organizations are selected for their capacity to serve low-income youth and those with barriers (e.g., foster system, justice-involved).
      • YouthWorks funding requires 60% for youth wages and 40% for other expenses, including year-round staff to build relationships with youth and families.
    • Neil Sullivan's Additional Comment:
      • YouthWorks is part of the larger "Future Boss" or Mayor's Youth Employment Program.
      • YouthWorks is currently $4 million, compared to the city's $23 million investment in youth employment.
      • Total organizations involved are 243 when all summer jobs and school-year youth employment money is bundled.
      • Anticipated cuts in federal and state funding for youth works are a concern.
    • Question: What data points are used to measure the benefits of these programs?
    • Neil Sullivan's Response:
      • Collaboration with Northeastern University (Alicia Sasser Modestino) and PIC's researcher (Joe McLaughlin) to study beneficial impacts on public safety, education, and workforce development.
      • Published papers demonstrate the positive effect of large-scale subsidized programs.
      • Youth employment is seen as a foundation for public safety and school-to-career strategies.
    • Angela McCabe's Response:
      • For adult programs, data tracked includes graduation rates, entered employment rates (after 6 and 12 months), and median wages.
      • One year of follow-up is provided.
      • All information is public and available.

  • Councilor Erin Murphy:

    • Question: How do these grants support youth summer jobs initiatives, particularly for students who may not otherwise have access or support for applying?
    • Katie Gall's Response:
      • YouthWorks funding directly supports youth wages and supportive services during the summer.
      • A portion funds full-time, year-round staff at subrecipient agencies to build deep relationships with youth and families, ensuring awareness and commitment to opportunities.
      • Organizations like ABCD (Level Up) have existing community connections that naturally draw in participants.
      • The 60% youth wages / 40% other expenses requirement highlights the need for more infrastructure funding for vulnerable youth.
    • Neil Sullivan's Additional Comment:
      • YEO has significant staff capacity in Mission Hill.
      • PIC has career specialists in every Boston BPS High School to identify students for private sector internships.
    • Councilor Murphy's Personal Anecdote: Shared a success story of a student who, through these programs, gained year-round employment and is now applying to college, highlighting the value of diverse opportunities offered by nonprofits.

  • Councilor Benjamin Weber:

    • Question: What is being done to assist federal workers in Boston affected by potential government shutdowns, especially regarding unemployment collection?
    • Angela McCabe's Response:
      • Statewide, the Department of Career Services has a website for federal workers.
      • Career centers are trained to assist with unemployment access, though UI only covers up to 50% of salary.
      • Boston has not seen a large influx yet but anticipates it.
    • Question: How are employers lined up for job seekers, and how are in-demand areas identified for training?
    • Angela McCabe's Response:
      • Career centers align job seekers with employers based on skills and interests.
      • For federal workers, there's a push for higher-skilled jobs, requiring employer services to reach companies like State Street.
    • Neil Sullivan's Response:
      • All efforts are based on up-to-date labor market information, tracked by PIC's researcher Joe McLaughlin.
      • Current concerns include a cooling economy and potential work requirements for Medicaid and food stamps.
      • The federal government's role in funding the Department of Labor is also a factor.
    • Question: Beyond labs, what other areas should be considered for future employment for youth and adults?
    • Angela McCabe's Response: Medical and medical technology are significant in Boston, with construction also remaining high. Lab growth has been slower than anticipated but still offers entry-level jobs.
    • Katie Gall's Response:
      • OWD has a research team working with MassBio and Life Sciences, and analyzing healthcare labor market needs.
      • Success relies on partnerships with willing employers committed to living wages and good job quality.
      • Large hospital employers are strong partners, and sectoral partnerships are being built in Life Sciences.
    • Neil Sullivan's Additional Comment: Specific needs are identified, such as surgical technicians (current need) or radiologic technologists (five years ago), allowing for quick response with training.
    • Question: Is there any intersection with food stamps, and what can be done to mitigate impacts if access to food is lost due to federal changes?
    • Katie Gall's Response:
      • OWD is part of a citywide basic needs access working group analyzing rulemaking around work/training/volunteering requirements for food stamps.
      • The sunsetting of the Senior Service Employment Program (Operation Able) for adults 55+ is another challenge.
      • Strong partnerships are in place to offer support.
    • Neil Sullivan's Additional Comment: In the short term, if food stamps are frozen, the community will rely on food pantries and emergency food services, with the Mayor and Governor expected to have plans.

VII. Public Testimony

  • No public testimony was received.

VIII. Adjournment

  • Chair Weber thanked his colleagues and panelists for their participation, and Ethan and Karishma from Central Staff for their assistance.
  • Chair Weber stated his intention to bring all dockets (#1625, #1658-1660, #1691-1695, #1697, and #1832) up for a vote during Wednesday's meeting.
  • The hearing was adjourned.

Last updated: Nov 15, 2025

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