The NYC Workforce Drop with NYCETC’s Gregory J. Morris

What does it take to make government work better without sacrificing the safeguards, worker protections, and public input New Yorkers depend on?Greg sits down with Ann Cheng, Executive Director of the New York City Commission on Government Efficiency, for a conversation about the city’s five ballot proposals, the systems behind government services, and what greater efficiency could mean for workers, nonprofits, small businesses, and communities across New York City.Greg and Ann discuss proposed changes to outdoor dining applications, procurement, street-safety projects, construction permits, and the city’s rainy day fund. They also examine what procurement delays mean for nonprofits trying to hire and pay workers, how government can move faster without weakening oversight or labor standards, and why implementation will ultimately determine whether proposed efficiencies translate into better outcomes for New Yorkers.Throughout the conversation, Ann makes the case that restoring trust in government starts with making everyday systems work, from paying providers on time to making it easier for New Yorkers to interact with city agencies, while preserving meaningful opportunities for public input.Produced by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionFilmed at The Greene SpaceTopics: government efficiency; New York City Charter; procurement; nonprofit contracting; workforce development; small business; public services; public engagement; rainy day fund; New York City

What does it take to turn opportunity from something determined by luck into something every New Yorker can count on?Greg sits down with Richard Buery, CEO of Robin Hood, for a wide-ranging conversation about poverty, workforce development, education, racial equity, public service, and building systems that create real economic opportunity.Rich reflects on growing up in East New York, discovering his passion for service while working with young people in Roxbury, and the path that took him from founding community programs to leading major nonprofits, serving as Deputy Mayor of New York City, and now heading one of the city’s largest anti-poverty organizations.Greg and Rich discuss what New York learned from building Pre-K for All, why stronger leadership and coordination are essential to the city’s fragmented workforce system, and why success should be measured by whether people land good jobs with strong wages, benefits, and lasting opportunity. They also explore the connections among higher education, child care, workforce development, and economic mobility, and why systems designed to expand opportunity must confront persistent racial inequities.The conversation also turns to artificial intelligence and the choices New York City must make as AI reshapes education and the workforce. Rich makes the case for preparing young people to use emerging technology thoughtfully rather than allowing fear of its risks to widen existing opportunity gaps, and reflects on Robin Hood’s efforts to build the long-term resources needed to fight poverty and respond to future crises.Produced by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionFilmed at The Greene SpaceTopics: workforce development; poverty; economic mobility; good jobs; education; higher education; child care; artificial intelligence; racial equity; public service; philanthropy; New York City

How does New York City stay competitive while creating more opportunity for the people who live and work here?Greg sits down with Steven M. Fulop, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City and former Mayor of Jersey City, for a wide-ranging conversation about economic growth, workforce development, housing, public service, and the future of New York City’s economy.Steve reflects on the path that took him from Goldman Sachs to the Marine Corps after 9/11, into elected office, and ultimately through three terms as Mayor of Jersey City. He also discusses his new role leading the Partnership for New York City and how the business community can work more closely with government and nonprofits to strengthen the city.Greg and Steve explore job creation, employer engagement, nonprofit partnerships, child care, housing production, and the policies shaping New York City’s competitiveness. They also examine the growing impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs and why workforce organizations, employers, libraries, and government must work together to prepare New Yorkers for an economy where the skills employers need are changing quickly.Produced by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionFilmed at The Greene SpaceTopics: workforce development; economic development; job creation; artificial intelligence; future of work; housing; child care; nonprofit partnerships; business engagement; New York City economy

What does it mean to represent a community that is continually asked to do more with less?Gregory J Morris (NYCETC CEO) sits down with New York City Council Member Althea Stevens (D-16) as she reflects on more than two decades in youth development and the nonprofit sector, the young people who encouraged her to run for office, and how that experience shapes her leadership as Chair of the Council’s Committee on Children and Youth.Council Member Stevens discusses persistent youth unemployment, expanding year-round employment and work-based learning, and why nonprofit professionals must have a stronger voice in government. They also examine contracting challenges, community investment, and Althea’s decision to oppose a city budget she believes did not provide her district with its fair share.From transportation access and food insecurity to public-private partnerships and collective impact, Council Member Stevens makes the case for a more equitable approach to strengthening Bronx neighborhoods and creating opportunity for the people who live there.Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: youth employment; workforce development; nonprofit sector; city contracting; New York City budget; economic equity; community investment; youth development; District 16; the Bronx

Greg sits down with Maria Torres-Springer, President of the Charles H. Revson Foundation and former New York City First Deputy Mayor, for a conversation about public service, economic opportunity, and building a city that works for working people.Maria reflects on growing up in a working-class immigrant family and how those experiences shaped more than two decades of leadership in city government and philanthropy.Greg and Maria discuss the systems that determine whether government can deliver, from procurement and hiring to budgets, technology, and implementation. They also explore why workforce development must be an engine of economic development and how housing, transportation, and child care shape access to good jobs.Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: public service; workforce development; economic development; economic opportunity; government effectiveness; housing; public trust; philanthropy; New York City