New York City Mayor Eric Adams earlier this week announced the launch of a new program,”Jobs NYC,” aimed at reducing “barriers to economic opportunities and deliver workforce development services” throughout the city.
“While we have a lot to celebrate in recovering all of the private-sector jobs lost during the pandemic — more than a year ahead of schedule — our recovery has not been equitable and it has not yet reached every New Yorker. That’s why we are doing everything we can to make sure New York City remains a city for working-class people,” said Mayor Adams.
He emphasized the persistently high rate of Black unemployment and outlined how the “Jobs NYC” program aims to address this by providing pathways to sustainable careers, particularly for communities of color.
“This is how we ensure all New Yorkers, particularly those in Black and Brown communities, have access to the jobs of the 21st century, and this is how we can continue to recruit a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of our city. Jobs NYC will help us build a city where opportunity reaches every borough, block, and neighborhood,” noted Adams.
The Adams administration will use three core pillars to reach this goal. They plan on revamping the “hiring halls” to bring opportunities to economically disadvantaged communities, launching a talent portal called Jobs.nyc.gov to connect people to training or job opportunities, and reforming the city’s Minimum Qualification Requirements to make certain entry-level jobs accessible—along with removing the bachelor’s degree requirement for certain city jobs in 2023.
The “hiring halls” will take place in each New York City borough monthly in areas experiencing the most employment disparities and will connect New Yorkers with job opportunities in the municipal workforce. They will provide a chance for job seekers to engage with organizations, interview opportunities, and training opportunities.
The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services has completed a review of 17 entry-level titles, which will impact 20,000 jobs, expanding their eligibility since previous college degree requirements have been removed. Now these jobs will focus on relevant work experience and skills instead.
According to the Adams administration, the unemployment rate for Black New Yorkers is 9.3 percent. First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright calls the difference between the unemployment rate of white New Yorkers, at 3 percent, and that of Black New Yorkers “unacceptable.”
