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

What does it take to build a neighborhood people want to be part of?In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, Greg Morris sits down with Jeffrey LeFrancois, Executive Director of the Meatpacking District Management Association, for a wide-ranging conversation about civic life, economic development, housing, public space, politics, and the many ways New Yorkers build power by showing up.Jeffrey reflects on the path that brought him into public service and the conversation explores how relationships, persistence, local institutions, and civic engagement shape what is possible in a city as complex as New York. Greg and Jeffrey talk about the role of community boards, political clubs, campaigns, housing plans, land use, and why losing can teach you how to fight harder for the wins that matter.They also dig into the evolution of the Meatpacking District - from its history as a working market and meat processing hub to its present-day mix of public plazas, historic architecture, restaurants, retail, museums, tech, fashion, nightlife, and nearly 15 million annual visitors. Jeffrey shares how he thinks about public space as an economic development tool, why foot traffic and dwell time matter, and how streetscape projects, cultural institutions, tourism, and major events like the World Cup can help strengthen New York City’s economy.Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: Meatpacking District; business improvement districts; economic development; workforce development; public space; civic engagement; community boards; housing; land use; affordable housing; political clubs; campaigns; neighborhood change; tourism; small business; retail; hospitality; public realm; streetscape; Manhattan; New York City; World Cup; civic leadership; local government; community building

Greg sits down with Angie Kamath, Dean of the NYU School of Professional Studies, for a conversation about career pivots, higher education, workforce systems, and what it really means to keep growing in a changing economy.Angie brings a career path that spans the private sector, nonprofit leadership, New York City government, CUNY, and NYU, and with it, a deeply practical view of how people move through work, get stuck, start over, and find new momentum. She reflects on her early days in banking, her first workforce role at StreetWise Partners, her time leading Per Scholas New York, and her years at the Department of Small Business Services during moments of crisis and recovery for the city.At the center of the conversation is Sidetracked: The Hidden Crisis in Mid-Career Professional Economic Mobility, a new report from NYU SPS and the Burning Glass Institute examining why so many mid-career workers experience career stall. and why that stall is a structural problem, not a personal failure. Angie and Greg unpack what the report reveals about wage growth, title progression, skills, job changes, and the interventions that can help workers keep moving forward.They also discuss the role of higher education in an era of rising costs and shifting expectations, the importance of short-term and targeted training, the value of first jobs, the danger of tracking young people too early, and why lifelong learning has to become a normal part of working life.Along the way, they talk City Bikes, marathons, public speaking, social media, leadership, AI, career navigation, immigrant-family expectations, the Knicks, and the simple reminder that if you feel stuck, you are not alone.Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: workforce development; economic mobility; NYU School of Professional Studies; Burning Glass Institute; Sidetracked report; mid-career workers; career stall; higher education; career pathways; lifelong learning; upskilling; reskilling; public administration; AI; leadership; job mobility

Greg sits down with Miquela Craytor, Senior Advisor (former interim Executive Director, Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC), founder of Craytor Strategies, for a conversation about planning, power, environmental justice, industrial policy, and what it takes to build real economic opportunity in New York City.Miquela reflects on her path from Oregon to New York, from waiting tables and working as a corporate paralegal to becoming a planner, advocate, and economic development leader. She shares lessons from her time at Sustainable South Bronx, NYCEDC, NYC Small Business Services, and her current work supporting climate and industrial-sector clients through Craytor Strategies. Her work has included environmental justice, the South Bronx Greenway, industrial policy, advanced manufacturing, workforce strategy, stakeholder engagement, and helping legacy businesses connect to emerging opportunities in offshore wind, building electrification, and the green economy. Greg and Miquela also dig into the complicated work of community engagement: how good ideas can fail when communities are not heard, why trust and truth-telling matter, and how development projects can better connect infrastructure investment to local jobs. Along the way, they talk about the Bronx, Brooklyn’s working waterfront, green jobs, worker cooperatives, housing, manufacturing, climate resilience, developers, public-sector decision-making, and why environmental justice and economic justice must be understood as deeply connected. Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: workforce development; economic development; environmental justice; economic justice; green jobs; climate jobs; industrial policy; manufacturing; offshore wind; building electrification; South Bronx; Brooklyn waterfront; community engagement; urban planning; worker cooperatives; New York City; infrastructure; inclusive growth; small business; Craytor Strategies

Anthony Barrows, Executive Director of ⁠Lift New York⁠ and longtime advocate for economic justice and systems reform, joins ⁠Greg Morris⁠ for a conversation about poverty, public systems, and the role community plays in helping families thrive.Drawing on his own experiences growing up in public housing in Boston, navigating foster care, and relying on social support systems as a young person, Anthony reflects on how these experiences have shaped his work and worldview. Now leading Lift New York, he focuses on helping families build economic mobility through coaching, direct cash support, and community-centered approaches rooted in what Lift calls “Hope, Money, and Love.”Greg and Anthony discuss the realities of chronic scarcity, the importance of lived experience in shaping policy, and why dignity and trust must be central to anti-poverty work. They also explore the long-term impacts of welfare reform, lessons learned during the pandemic, the challenges facing immigrant and working families in New York City, and what meaningful systems change could look like under a new administration focused on economic justice.Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: economic justice; poverty; foster care; public benefits; workforce development; family support; behavioral science; lived experience; economic mobility; community building; social policy; New York City

In this special mini episode, Greg Morris and Gary P. Jenkins take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Fred Shack, the longtime CEO of Urban Pathways and a tireless advocate for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.Fred’s impact on the city—and on the people and colleagues who worked alongside him—was profound. Known for his unwavering commitment, sharp insight, and deep compassion, he helped shape a housing-first approach that changed lives across New York City.This conversation reflects on Fred’s leadership, his lasting influence on the sector, and the responsibility to carry his work forward.

In Part Two of this two-part conversation, ⁠Aldrin Bonilla⁠, Executive Vice President of the ⁠Fund for the City of New York⁠, joins ⁠Greg Morris⁠ to unpack the findings behind the Fund’s latest “Overlooked and Undercounted” True Cost of Living brief and why it demands urgent attention.46% of working-age New York City households don’t earn enough to meet the true cost of living. This episode goes beyond the headline to explore what that actually means, who is most affected, and why traditional poverty measures fail to capture the full picture.Aldrin breaks down how the report redefines economic security, from housing and childcare to transportation, healthcare, and wages, as well as why having a job is no longer enough in today’s economy. The discussion also highlights deep disparities across boroughs, the uneven post-pandemic recovery, and the growing gap between income and essential costs.Greg and Aldrin dig into what the data reveals and what it demands: targeted policy solutions, smarter investments, and a clearer understanding of what it truly takes for New Yorkers to thrive.Read the full “Overlooked and Undercounted” True Cost of Living report from the Fund for the City of New York to explore the data behind this conversation: https://www.fcny.org/nyc-true-cost/Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: true cost of living; economic mobility; workforce development; income inequality; public policy; affordability; data and equity; New York City; labor market; systems change

Randy Peers, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, joins Greg Morris for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on what it really takes to build a stronger, more inclusive economy in New York City.From his early days in workforce development to leading one of the city’s most influential business organizations, Randy reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership and why he believes economic development must come first if workforce systems are going to work at scale.The episode dives into the realities facing small businesses today: rising costs, regulatory pressure, and the ongoing challenge of accessing talent. Randy shares how the Chamber responded during COVID-19 by reimagining its role: meeting businesses where they are through direct outreach, launching new funding models for underserved entrepreneurs, and creating platforms to help local makers grow.Along the way, the conversation explores bigger questions about leadership, mentorship, and what it means to build systems that actually empower people. Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: small business; economic development; workforce development; entrepreneurship; COVID-19 recovery; BIPOC businesses; leadership; Brooklyn; public policy; economic mobility

What happens after college graduation, and why are so many degree-holders still struggling to find their footing?In this episode, Greg Morris sits down with Kalani Leifer, Founder and CEO of COOP Careers, to unpack the growing crisis of underemployment among college graduates. Drawing from his early experience as a high school teacher in the Bronx, Kalani shares how a promise he made to his students—to work hard, go to college, and secure a path to the middle class—led him to confront a difficult reality: a bachelor’s degree is no longer a guarantee of economic opportunity.Together, they explore why the transition from college to career is one of the most overlooked—and most critical—moments in the workforce pipeline. Kalani breaks down how isolation, lack of social capital, and systemic inequities leave many first-generation and low-income graduates navigating the job market alone, often internalizing structural barriers as personal failure.The conversation dives into COOP’s model, which centers on peer networks, near-peer coaching, and the power of relationships to unlock opportunity. They also discuss the role of employers, the limitations of a “skills-first” narrative, and why building social capital may be just as important as building skills.Finally, Greg and Kalani look ahead to what it will take to scale solutions—from catalytic funding to the promise of Workforce Pell—and how systems must evolve to truly deliver on the promise of higher education.Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: workforce development; underemployment; social capital; college-to-career transition; economic mobility; first-generation college graduates; higher education policy; COOP Careers; Workforce Pell; alumni networks and peer coaching; equity in employment; public-private partnerships.

Greg Morris sits down with Chris Watler, Co-Chair of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition Board and Executive Vice President of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), for a wide-ranging conversation about what it takes to build a safer, fairer New York—especially for New Yorkers returning from incarceration.Watler traces his path from growing up in Crown Heights to national nonprofit leadership, sharing the lessons that shaped his commitment to service, community, and economic mobility. The discussion digs into why mass incarceration is a policy failure—not a behavior problem—and what real “public safety” looks like when communities have the resources to thrive.'They explore CEO’s evidence-based reentry model, the importance of immediate income and wraparound supports, and how employment, training, and career pathways can reduce recidivism and expand opportunity. Watler also highlights the Reentry Assistance Bill and makes the case for direct financial support at release as a smarter, more humane investment than continued reliance on incarceration.The conversation closes with a look at how city government can better partner with workforce organizations in moments of crisis—from major storms to pandemics—and a reflection on what it would mean to expand the supports that keep families and neighborhoods stable.Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: workforce development; reentry and justice reform; mass incarceration; recidivism reduction; employment and economic mobility; transitional jobs; wraparound supports; Reentry Assistance Bill; community-based public safety; nonprofit–government coordination; NYC affordability and inequality.

This week on the NYC Workforce Drop, Greg Morris welcomes New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin for a dynamic conversation on affordability, workforce development, and the city’s economic future.Speaker Menin outlines her vision for a more proactive City Council — from advancing bold affordable housing strategies using public assets like libraries and vacant land, to reforming a broken procurement system that wastes taxpayer dollars. She shares why cracking down on long-term no-bid contracts could free up billions for priorities like universal childcare, a longtime focus of her leadership.The conversation also spotlights the Council’s first-ever Committee on Workforce Development and why connecting workforce strategy to economic growth is essential as New York competes with other cities for jobs and talent.Speaker Menin reflects on her work protecting billions in federal funding through the 2020 Census, expanding access to banking through the Municipal ID program, and creating a Committee to Combat Hate during a historic moment for the city’s leadership.Tune in for a conversation on accountability, expanding opportunity, and building a more affordable, inclusive, and economically competitive New York City.Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: proactive City Council leadership and governing vision; affordable housing development using public libraries and city-owned land; tackling NYC’s affordability crisis; procurement reform and eliminating long-term no-bid contracts; fiscal accountability and smarter city spending; universal childcare as economic policy; after-school access and working family support; childcare workforce and facility expansion; launching the City Council’s first Committee on Workforce Development; connecting workforce strategy to economic growth; job creation trends and interstate economic competition; attracting businesses and building tech corridors; protecting federal funding through the 2020 Census; establishing a permanent NYC Office of the Census; Municipal ID and financial empowerment for unbanked New Yorkers; public libraries as trusted civic infrastructure; combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate; interfaith leadership in a historic moment for New York City; long-term leadership and public service resilience.

Welcome aboard the NYC Workforce Drop as NYC Employment and Training Coalition CEO Greg Morris sits down with Jeff Brault, Vice President of Global Public Affairs at Hornblower Group, for a conversation about the “blue highway” and why water transit is more than just a scenic commute.Recorded at Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Greg and Jeff dig into what makes NYC Ferry feel like the “People’s Yacht,” from skyline views (even in freezing weather) to a strong rider culture. They break down the basics—routes and stops, fares and discount programs, and why the NYC Ferry app can be a game-changer for planning trips.But the heart of the episode is workforce: Jeff shares how NYC Ferry is helping open doors to maritime careers for New Yorkers who’ve never imagined themselves working on the water. Hear how many captains started as entry-level deckhands, what it takes to move up, and why access to waterfront jobs matters in a city with hundreds of miles of shoreline.Plus: the story behind NYC Ferry’s 50 millionth rider, how ferries show up in moments of crisis, and a look ahead to NYC Ferry’s February 10 career fair at Brooklyn Borough Hall as hiring ramps up for the busy season.Whether you ride daily or have never stepped on board, this episode is a deep dive into transit, opportunity, and the future of NYC’s waterfront.Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkPublished by: New York City Employment and Training CoalitionTopics: the “blue highway” and the future of NYC’s waterways; public transportation as workforce and economic development; NYC Ferry routes, fares, and accessibility; reduced-fare programs and transit equity; ferry culture and the “People’s Yacht”; maritime careers and entry-level pathways; deckhand-to-captain career mobility; workforce development on the waterfront; community outreach and hiring across all five boroughs; transit deserts and neighborhood connectivity; ferries in times of crisis and recovery; climate resilience and sustainable transportation; building inclusive public transit systems run by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers.

What does it really take to build pathways to economic security, especially in moments of uncertainty?In this mini episode, NYCETC CEO Greg Morris sits down with first-time guest host Courtney Granger for a conversation about what’s working, what isn’t, and why the way we talk about “workforce development” may need a serious rebrand.Drawing on her experience across New York City’s education, workforce, and social service systems, Courtney reflects on the power of relationships, place-based hubs, and truly holistic models that meet people where they are--whether they’re young adults disconnected from school, workers navigating instability, or individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Together, Greg and Courtney unpack real-life examples from Courtney’s career, including lessons from The Door and partnerships with major employers, to illustrate how low-barrier, human-centered design can unlock opportunity and dignity.The conversation also looks ahead to Courtney’s next chapter at Project Renewal, and what it means to connect job pathways with stability, care, and long-term mobility, especially for people navigating crisis.Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

This episode explores what it means to lead not just an organization, but a broad, values-driven coalition responsible for shaping systems, policy, and power across New York City’s human services sector.The conversation centers on Michelle Jackson, Executive Director of the Human Services Council, and her leadership journey stewarding collective power at scale. From the early days of large-scale mobilization—most notably the 6,000-person #JustPay rally—to the ongoing responsibility of representing providers, workers, and communities, Michelle reflects on what it takes to responsibly hold power that extends far beyond any single institution.Together, Greg and Michelle dig into the current moment facing human services and workforce advocates: persistent workforce shortages, compensation challenges, and sustainability concerns, all unfolding amid a transition to a new city administration and evolving state dynamics. Michelle speaks candidly about the emotional and strategic weight of coalition leadership—what feels most urgent, what feels most heavy, and what continues to fuel her commitment to the sector.Looking ahead, the conversation turns to what’s next. With a new mayoral administration on the horizon and shifting policy priorities at the state level, Michelle outlines where the human services sector needs to go and how HSC helps chart that path—balancing advocacy, partnership, and accountability while translating shared vision into real, measurable action.This episode is a deep dive into coalition leadership: the joy, the pressure, and the responsibility of building power collectively—and using it to move systems that millions of New Yorkers rely on every day.Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkTopics: coalition leadership and collective power; human services workforce sustainability; the legacy and lessons of mass mobilization; navigating city and state transitions; advocacy at scale; translating shared vision into policy action; responsibility, resilience, and stewardship in movement leadership.