The NYC Workforce Development Board meeting on December 3, 2025, co-chaired by Merryill from Partnership for New York City and Audrey Pal, focused on enhancing discussion time and strategic planning amid a mayoral transition. Key updates included finalization of the 2025-2029 WIOA local plan, receipt of delayed federal funding tranches, and anticipation of a 2026 federal compliance audit. The board approved October meeting minutes and recognized members appointed to the incoming mayor’s transition committees. Doug Lafari, Executive Director, emphasized the board’s role in shaping workforce priorities, while the ongoing strategic roadmap—drawing from over 200 participants and 550 ideas—was slated for early 2026 release to guide the new administration.
Valerie Mulligan from the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) highlighted the Community Resources for Employment and Development (CRED) program, a comprehensive initiative for ages 18-40 facing barriers like justice involvement or low income, offering paid training ($20/hour), internships, wraparound services, and job placement across sectors like healthcare and construction. With 16 providers funded at ~$780,000 each annually (scaling to 2,000 slots), success stories included CDL credentialing and culinary placements. Discussion addressed prescriptive staffing requirements and procurement flexibility. Randy from Small Business Services (SBS) updated on Workforce One contracts, noting improved placements, professional development, and Jobs NYC events reaching thousands, while Commissioner Pearson explained a strategic $41.7M carry-in budget to maintain stability amid shrinking federal awards.
Bylaws Revision, SNAP/Medicaid
Work Requirements, and Closing
The board voted to revise outdated bylaws to strengthen governance, reporting timelines, procurement oversight, and priority-setting, with a redlined version forthcoming for feedback. Scott French from the Human Resources Administration detailed new federal SNAP Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements (80 hours/month starting March 2026 post-waiver), exemptions, and compliance pathways, plus upcoming Medicaid rules, emphasizing partnerships for community service and workforce connections to minimize benefit loss for potentially hundreds of thousands. Group discussions raised concerns over system strain, nonprofit roles, seasonal workers, and coordination needs. The meeting adjourned after planning 2026 calendars, underscoring collaborative efforts amid policy changes.