Newsletter
The NYC Workforce Drop Podcast
Beyond Bureaucracy: Grace Bonilla on Building Policy Around People
In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City, to reflect on her journey from Queens to City Hall and her leadership at the frontlines of New York’s social safety net.
Mini Episode: Linking Workforce and Economic Development – Remarks from the City & State Summit
In this mini-episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris shares his remarks from the City & State Economic Development & Workforce Summit, where NYCETC served as a co-sponsor alongside city and state leaders.
Buildings, Budgets, and People: David Lebenstein on Real Estate as a Workforce Strategy
In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J Morris sits down with David Lebenstein, Executive Managing Director and Co-Chair of Cushman & Wakefield’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Group, to unpack how real estate strategy is mission strategy for NYC’s nonprofits.
Mini Episode – How Nonprofits and Developers Work Together to Protect Housing
In this mini-episode, real estate leader David Lebenstein, Executive Managing Director, Co-Chair of the Not-for-Profit Advisory Group at Cushman & Wakefield, joins The NYC Workforce Drop to share how he’s helped nonprofits and developers navigate one of the toughest challenges in NYC real estate: selling or renovating SRO (Single Room Occupancy) buildings while keeping residents safely housed.
Unlocking NYC’s Data Workforce: Collin Smith on Apprenticeships and Access
In the newest episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Collin Smith, Director at The Information Lab US, to explore how innovative apprenticeship models are unlocking pathways into high-demand data careers for New Yorkers.
Strengthening Democracy – Grace Rauh on Civic Reform and New York’s Future
In the latest episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Citizens Union Executive Director Grace Rauh to discuss how civic reform can strengthen democracy and opportunity in New York City.
Mini Episode – Potato Chips, Red Envelopes, and Public Trust
Mini episodes of The NYC Workforce Drop deliver high-impact insights in under 15 minutes, perfect for leaders on the go who want clear analysis and bold ideas for NYC’s workforce future.
Empire State of Mind: David Fischer on Policy, Funding, and Equity in New York State’s Workforce Vision
Gregory J. Morris sits down with David Fischer, Interim Executive Director of the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP), for a conversation on the state of New York’s workforce development system and what it will take to unlock true mobility for workers.
Rooted in Purpose: Jennifer Jones Austin on Perseverance, Equity, and Economic Dignity
Gregory J. Morris sits down with Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of FPWA, for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven leadership, the realities of economic deprivation, and the urgent need to rethink how we measure and achieve economic dignity for New Yorkers.
The Other F Word: Leadership, Legacy & Letting Go of Perfection – A Conversation with Maria Lizardo
Gregory J. Morris is joined by Maria Lizardo, Executive Director of NMIC and longtime human services leader, for a powerful and personal conversation about what it takes to lead with heart, humility, and impact in today’s nonprofit sector.
Mini Episode – Federal Cuts, Consequences, and the Fight Ahead
In this mini episode, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris issues an urgent call to action in response to the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and the real-time threats it poses to essential safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
Mini Episode – Post-Primary Perspective: Centering Workers and Affordability in NYC’s Future
In this first mini episode, Gregory J. Morris offers a look at what New York City’s 2025 Democratic primary results mean for the future of workers, affordability, and public investment. As general election season heats up, this episode delivers a sharp call to action for incoming leadership: workforce equity and affordability aren’t side issues; they are the foundation of a thriving city.
From Civic Innovation to AI Disruption: A Conversation with Andrew Rasiej
Gregory J. Morris sits down with Andrew Rasiej, civic and social entrepreneur, technology strategist, and Founder of Civic Hall @ Union Square. Together, they explore Andrew’s roots in grassroots innovation, the sweeping disruption of generative AI, and what city and state leaders must do to build a more equitable digital economy.
Follow the Money: Who NYC’s Workforce Dollars Really Serve
In our inaugural podcast episode, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris breaks down the urgent realities shaping New York City’s workforce development ecosystem. From how public dollars are being spent to support job seekers to the widening gap between low-wage and high-wage workers, Gregory brings sharp insight and lived experience to a critical conversation.
Latest News
Joint Statement on Federal Government Shutdown
The federal government shut down at midnight after Congress failed to reach a deal on funding. There is uncertainty about how long the shutdown could last, with the White House budget office directing agencies to prepare for widespread furloughs. While political leaders remain at an impasse, the consequences will be felt immediately by workers, families, and the […]
As SYEP Wraps Up, We Look Ahead with Resolve
Today marks the close of another Summer Youth Employment Program season, a program that, for more than 60 years, has connected young New Yorkers with their first jobs and meaningful career pathways.
Statement on Stalled New York City Job Growth
Gregory J. Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition
Statement on the Nomination of Dr. E.J. Antoni as Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner
Gregory J. Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition
Statement on BLS Commissioner Firing
Gregory J. Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition
Statement from Gregory J. Morris on SYEP Payment Card Fraud
“For nearly 60 years, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) has been a lifeline for young New Yorkers. It’s often their first job, their first step toward economic independence, and their first encounter with the financial system. It is the largest program of its kind in the nation and has positively impacted hundreds of thousands […]
Budget Watch: FY26 Agreement Reached
On Friday, June 27, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, and other city leaders announced an agreement on a $115.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
What Happens When Washington Cuts Workforce Development? Ask New York
Newsweek opinion piece by Gregory J Morris.
Post-Primary Perspective: Centering Workers and Affordability in NYC’s Future
The NYC Workforce Drop podcast with NYCETC’s Gregory J. Morris.
From Civic Innovation to AI Disruption: A Conversation with Andrew Rasiej
The NYC Workforce Drop podcast with NYCETC’s Gregory J. Morris.
Op-ed: Workforce development is the key to New York’s economic future
A new op-ed in Crain’s by New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías and Gregory J Morris, Chief Executive Officer of NYCETC.
NYCETC Publishes Early Learnings from the Tech Bridge Grant Program
The program empowers grantees to expand access into New York City’s growing tech workforce through equitable, community-driven pathways.
Media Coverage
Op-ed: Use AI to help all New Yorkers win good jobs
A Crain’s op-ed by Gregory J. Morris, CEO of NYCETC and Shari Krull, CEO of StreetWise Partners.
Fixing NYC’s affordability crisis requires wage growth and a path to opportunity
A joint op-ed by NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris and Wayne Ho, President & CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council.
The career ladder is collapsing. Gen Z is feeling it first
Gregory J. Morris, Chief Executive Officer of NYCETC is highlighted in this Quartz feature.
The 2025 Top Trade Associations
City & State recognizes NYCETC as a leading trade association in New York.
Opinion: Why Arts, Libraries, and Summer Youth Employment Must Be Central to NYC’s Workforce Strategy
Gregory J. Morris, NYCETC CEO in City Limits.
Summer Jobs Program Heist Likely Had Hacker Help, Say ATM Experts
Gregory J. Morris, CEO of NYCETC quoted in The City.
What Happens When Washington Cuts Workforce Development? Ask New York
Newsweek opinion piece by Gregory J Morris.
Op-ed: Opinion: Will the Brooklyn Marine Terminal deliver on jobs and mobility, or just promises?
An op-ed in Brooklyn Paper by Gregory J Morris, Chief Executive Officer of NYCETC.
Op-ed: Workforce development is the key to New York’s economic future
A new op-ed in Crain’s by New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías and Gregory J Morris, Chief Executive Officer of NYCETC.
Bloomberg Markets: The Close
Gregory J Morris joined Romaine Bostick on Bloomberg TV’s ‘The Close’ to discuss Trump’s budget bill and its impact on training programs.
NYC’s contracting harms jobs & social services
An op-ed by Gregory J Morris for the New York Daily News.
Growing Careers From The Ground Up: A Brooklyn Model For New York’s Cannabis Workforce
Co-authored by Arana Hankin-Biggers, The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store and Gregory J. Morris, NYCETC.
Bronx families face voucher freeze as Adams, Hochul clash over childcare funding
Greg Morris, NYCETC quoted in the Bronx Times.
Council Member Riley urges Bronx parents to sign petition for free childcare for 2-year-olds
Gregory J Morris, NYCETC quoted in the Bronx Times.
Reports
Press Releases
NYC Energy Efficiency Companies Launch Employer-Led Coalition to Catalyze Green Workforce Development and Market Transformation
Employer-led initiative to define career pathways, bridge talent gaps, and drive equitable growth across NYC’s energy efficiency sector
Mayor Adams Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act, Announces Major Accomplishments and Commitments to Advance Equity and Access
Gregory J. Morris, CEO, the New York City Employment and Training Coalition quoted in the NYC Office of the Mayor press release.
NYCETC Welcomes New and Returning Board Leaders to Champion Workforce Equity and Opportunity
Coalition Taps Sector Leaders to Steer Workforce Equity, Accountability, and Opportunity
New York City Employment and Training Coalition Advances 2025 Workforce Benchmarking Network Cohort
Driving Accountability and Data-Driven Performance Across NYC’s Workforce Development Sector
NYCETC Publishes Early Learnings from the Tech Bridge Grant Program
The program empowers grantees to expand access into New York City’s growing tech workforce through equitable, community-driven pathways.
New Report: Putting Our Dollars to Work
$640M in Citywide Workforce Spending, Majority of Funding Bypasses Prime-Age Workers in Need
NYCETC Statement on Resignation of 4 Deputy Mayors
The future of the City cannot be thought of as simply a matter of getting stuff done anymore; it must be a matter of getting stuff right.
What They’re Saying: New Yorkers Praise Mayor Adams Family-Focused Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget
NYCETC quoted in the Mayor’s Office of the City of New York’s press release.
NYCETC Launches Advisory Council to Advance its Mission to Drive Workforce Development Innovation in NYC
The Advisory Council will provide strategic guidance and foster partnerships to enhance job skills and equitable workforce opportunities for New Yorkers
Second Workforce Benchmarking Network Launching in 2025
Corporation for a Skilled Workforce is pleased to announce the 2025 Workforce Benchmarking Network New York City cohort, with support from The Pinkerton Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and Deutsche Bank, and in partnership with New York City Employment and Training Coalition.
NYCETC Welcomes Five New Board Members to Champion Workforce Development for All New Yorkers
Learn more about NYCETC’s newest board members.
Mayor Adams Launches City’s First Community Hiring Effort With $1.2 Billion to Connect Underserved New Yorkers With Good-Paying Jobs
NYCETC quoted in the Mayor’s Office of the City of New York’s press release.
New York City Council Announces Members and Structure of New Arrivals Strategy Team to Strengthen City’s Response to Integrating Newcomers and Supporting Communities
NYCETC is named as a cohort member working with the New Arrivals Strategy Team.
Workforce Benchmarking Network Announced in NYC
An opportunity for up to 15 NYCETC members to participate in monthly activities, exploring how to use qualitative and quantitative data to understand their impact beyond required programs measures.
Google NYC Tech Opportunity Fund Tech Bridge Grant Awards Announced at New York City Employment and Training Coalition Building the NYC Tech Bridge Event
Grants Provided to 5 NYCETC Member Organizations Focused on Growing and Sustaining An Equitable and Inclusive Tech Training Ecosystem through Promising Practice and Partnership