During the City Council Hearing on the FY2026 Budget for the Mayor's Office of Employment Development (MOED) on June 4, 2025, a strong emphasis was placed on the agency's impactful work, particularly its renowned summer youth works program. Council members expressed gratitude for MOED's dedication to serving the community, highlighting its ability to achieve significant results with limited resources.

One council member praised MOED's efforts, stating, "Baltimore needs to be really proud of our summer youth works program. It is one of the best in the country if not the best in the country for similar cities our size." This acknowledgment underscores the program's importance in providing valuable opportunities for young people in Baltimore.

The discussion also touched on ongoing collaborations between MOED, the school system, and the mayor's office, focusing on creating career pathways and pipelines into key industries and city government. The council member expressed enthusiasm for continuing these conversations, indicating a commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for residents.

As the budget discussions progress, the council's recognition of MOED's contributions signals a strong support for initiatives aimed at fostering youth employment and career development in Baltimore. The outcomes of these discussions may shape future funding and program enhancements, ensuring that the city's workforce development efforts remain robust and effective.