Committee on Commerce and Economic Development 03-18-26

The Philadelphia City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development held a public hearing on March 18, 2026, to assess the city's workforce development efforts and barriers to employment, focusing on job creation as a strategy to reduce poverty. The hearing featured testimony from city officials, workforce development organizations, and economic development partners who discussed various programs such as the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME), youth employment initiatives, and employer-driven training models. Key procurement-related topics included the allocation of $10 million in the FY26 budget toward workforce investments, funding for apprenticeship and training programs, and efforts to streamline contracting and payment processes with nonprofit partners. The administration highlighted plans to create an economic mobility cabinet to better coordinate workforce and economic development efforts. Panelists emphasized the importance of aligning training with employer demand, addressing adult literacy barriers, expanding access to quality jobs in emerging industries like maritime and advanced manufacturing, and improving transportation to job centers. The hearing concluded with a focus on regional collaboration and the need for sustained public-private investment to grow middle-wage, family-sustaining jobs for Philadelphia residents.