[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6214360,"mediaKeyId","3670641-876ef13c7d0d4dc94b56f3eea0a1a4c2","parentId",3670641,"title","MOED warns of federal funding uncertainty, outlines data and employer‑vetting plans for returning citizens","audioSeconds",444,"startMs",1878000,"endMs",2322000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670641-876ef13c7d0d4dc94b56f3eea0a1a4c2&start=1878&end=2322","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670641-876ef13c7d0d4dc94b56f3eea0a1a4c2/thumbnail_1878000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6214360/Baltimore-City/Baltimore-County/Maryland/MOED-warns-of-federal-funding-uncertainty-outlines-data-and-employervetting-plans-for-returning-citizens","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214360-cd9b30e617fb00448c053c71aa736f29/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161733&Signature=l0TJlG1mC9v0PvxsYRylIVEooJD4kss-rkVjSDG1hO9awLUh6Em3JxEmAKxWBSluMD0tvU744W3IDb9N9jFCsIkWYtjAdqJ-mND9o-bAUB6YB5IOYoJxltnLkTsMYNSCvQ1T15uZTSo7zfrS-Ete6fcFd4riOHp5LGttqzNnyh1AYoU9mRkTOufPFCZdTbJV9XWRDrrFYZho3YsoWlIyKJnrbOaSoyMqizGZoonevILpr2KYGOT2PyZAuanMa-oMNRRfINagqtMcXxym6Bk9JUyrvMTJpXSe3P1IAOisOfGbi8KPjhbdgpIMtTqhX0LmQw4~a1orToSk~Cw85Mlf-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Baltimore, MD","date","2025-06-04T20:32:06Z","article","The mayor’s Office of Employment Development told the Baltimore City Council that federal workforce funding has generally declined and that proposed federal changes could alter how money is distributed and what activities receive priority, a development MOED said it is preparing for while pursuing local data and employer‑vetting strategies.

Director Matt Garvin told council members that the workforce law now in effect is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), last authorized in 2014, and that legislation to reauthorize and reshape federal workforce funding has been debated in Congress. He said a proposal called the Stronger Workforce for America (ASWA) would have required 50% of funding to go to occupational training; that proposal drew pushback from local workforce advocates. Garvin said the president’s recent “skinny” budget references a different approach, dubbed “Make America Skilled Again” (MASA) by his office, and that federal emphasis may shift toward registered apprenticeship and block‑grant proposals.

Why it matters: MOED’s programming relies on federal WIOA funds for adult and youth workforce services. Changes at the federal level or reductions in funding can constrain MOED’s flexibility to provide supportive services, wage subsidies and other non‑training activities the office uses to help jobseekers with barriers to employment.

Key points from the hearing

- Funding outlook: Garvin said federal WIOA allocations were appropriated for FY26 and that MOED expects base funds in July and advance funds in October of the fiscal year. He said potential future legislation could change the funding mix and that workforce advocates are pushing back against restrictions that would earmark larger shares solely for training.

- Program risk and contingency: Garvin said workforce funding has trended downward and that some federal programs (he cited Job Corps as an example of a program facing cuts) have been affected. He said MOED will continue working with partners, philanthropic funders and the city’s congressional delegation to protect funding and the flexibility needed for supportive services.

- Data system and performance measurement: In response to council questions about consolidating workforce data, Garvin described an effort to build a Workforce Integrated Data System (WIDS), a shared performance and case‑tracking platform for workforce providers. He said an RFP for the WIDS will be released and that the platform will help measure equity, placement and outcomes across providers.

- Services for returning citizens and employer vetting: Councilman Gray asked whether MOED has considered partnering with the Mayor’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights to vet employers and protect returning citizens from wage theft and exploitation. Garvin said MOED has partnered with that office previously in other capacities and that “we would be open and we will follow‑up to make sure that we can do that.” Denise Brown described MOED’s reentry center and said the REC’s employment assistance exceeded targets for residents served and employment placements.

Context and limitations

Garvin stressed that national reauthorization efforts and the president’s budget proposal are fluid; local allocations for FY26 were appropriated but future years remain uncertain. He emphasized that MOED combines federal, state and philanthropic funding and that the office has used state ARPA and wage subsidy programs to support registered apprenticeship and employer incentives.

Ending

Council members offered to assist MOED with congressional advocacy and asked the office to follow up with concrete proposals on employer vetting, WIDS deployment timelines, and contingency plans should federal funding become more restrictive.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Hearing: FY2026 Budget – MOED; June 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a council budget hearing MOED Director Matt Garvin said federal workforce funding has declined historically, discussed proposals in Congress and the president's budget that could change how funds are delivered, and described MOED work on a workforce integrated data system and outreach to protect returning citizens from exploitation.","taxTitle","Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Maryland","taxId",4816,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214365,"MOED expands 'blueprint' career‑coaching partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools",1606,232000,1838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670641-876ef13c7d0d4dc94b56f3eea0a1a4c2&start=232&end=1838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670641-876ef13c7d0d4dc94b56f3eea0a1a4c2/thumbnail_232000.jpg","/articles/6214365/Baltimore-City/Baltimore-County/Maryland/MOED-expands-blueprint-careercoaching-partnership-with-Baltimore-City-Public-Schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214365-91ee1752bfd0d1904a59992d32e2cae7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161733&Signature=Yr3RfnrpuN1Nr~vwVzxsMWKuHsk3yz0mt0KTonIRDixCtmn9LH3GPbwyfhlVfognk13UA0Xcium9I6UFaOd-uFUAnKC7DVkut0Kt6rJTMSU5ai2F4Y4f7rJz-sTUpeqxJiTaoWrpTqiVwcaa-HdOyt1mx5~MsTa-f03lay5MS4vJGPAlzh6UfpACA3fts-S0fm3N9AqG561OYs7ZltXmbXbEb4EfRfcZQ1UpNSyAFNxdNGZ-S9AhmiG1-l3~kNT9EFyB~H3m7rqxdZS2KcT~nAdAb5pjCpq4RtZKB~uFENzA1zssJWjL63CRIP-AgVsH4-amQztYH4iuHyB9nAEHgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The mayor’s Office of Employment Development told the city council it has expanded a career‑coaching initiative with Baltimore City Public Schools that began as a December 2023 pilot, and by August 2024 was fully staffed with 52 career coaches and managers placed in middle and high schools.

Director Matt Garvin described the program — called blueprint career coaching — as a state‑funded partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools, not supported by city general fund dollars. He said the program began as a pilot in 17 schools and that by FY25 MOED had staffed about 52 positions across the district.

Why it matters: Garvin said the blueprint initiative is intended to prepare youth for careers through real‑world experience and to connect school‑based coaches with city workforce programs and YouthWorks. Council members said the coaches could be used to boost registration and participation in districts with low YouthWorks uptake.

Key details

- Program timeline and staffing: Garvin said blueprint started in December 2023 as a pilot in about 17 schools and that by August 2024 MOED had about 52 staff (coaches and managers) in middle and high schools.

- Funding: Garvin said the blueprint positions are state‑funded; MOED told the council the program is reported to the Accountability and Implementation Board and that legislators and workforce associations supported continued funding through FY28.

- Outcomes and oversight: Garvin said the program is recognized for strong programmatic collaboration and that MOED reports outcomes to the Accountability and Implementation Board; he described the initiative as one of the state’s stronger collaborations for connecting schools to workforce services.

Council follow‑up and deployment requests

Council members asked how coaches are being deployed and suggested targeting additional outreach and coach support to districts with lower events or registrations, specifically the Eighth and Ninth districts. Garvin said MOED meets early in the year with council members to plan school and community outreach and that coaches can be strategically directed to support recruitment and enrollment.

Ending

Garvin said MOED successfully advocated for state funding extensions and expects blueprint funding to continue through FY28; council members asked MOED to share deployment plans and district‑level outcomes so they can direct outreach and partnerships.

","MOED told the council that a pilot 'blueprint' career coaching initiative launched in December 2023 has expanded to 52 staff across middle and high schools by August 2024, funded with state dollars and reported to the Accountability and Implementation Board.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214370,"Council presses MOED on YouthWorks funding, equity and assumed Youth Fund allocation",2233,689000,2922000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3670641-876ef13c7d0d4dc94b56f3eea0a1a4c2&start=689&end=2922","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3670641-876ef13c7d0d4dc94b56f3eea0a1a4c2/thumbnail_689000.jpg","/articles/6214370/Baltimore-City/Baltimore-County/Maryland/Council-presses-MOED-on-YouthWorks-funding-equity-and-assumed-Youth-Fund-allocation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214370-2eda66e74b114573dd01e9b3e0fbb864/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161733&Signature=AVkA-bY~fWJ036ej56heiNFCKFp~ZgfxskrovXkW35VYumwf4T1oU6e5ue0RLWw2fcJm3BD11cAwm~UJNqjI70EqiKlEVpOipN1IWs7gh9tjgiogd~83CVlzb09DYgPNGmCq~JBhZ89uvhuUf0p6EwtsSUJR2o3XycBGxuq-wxouQn29jJ04jLAgrGGTKrsRNM-T5Zi~Rk6jROA23LNVHKdWf-xPgay6rRuGsRzjUWD-9VvUoiP1XARbKIj-seiJoJMEX4dLmhzG8E6yvB3Loaoxe7jQELLTs6RkTuYq--oSsIMdC5tZtVx~eqeB1TdkGxRCDxoZkkMBVFHmBYSqLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The mayor’s Office of Employment Development told the Baltimore City Council on Oct. 11 that the FY26 budget assumes $4.8 million will be drawn from the city’s Youth Fund for youth programs, though the Youth Fund board has approved $3.9 million to date, prompting council members to demand clearer protocols and an equitable distribution of YouthWorks slots.

Council President Cohen opened the questioning by praising MOED’s work and asked for clarity on how much of the Youth Fund will support YouthWorks. Director Matt Garvin said the budgetary figure is an assumption and that “following adoption of the budget, we would have to work with the board to finalize the amount that's available for fiscal 26.”

Why it matters: YouthWorks is Baltimore’s largest summer jobs program. Council members said discrepancies between the budget assumption and the Youth Fund board allocation risk creating confusion during budget implementation and hamper oversight. Council members also pressed MOED on whether summer job slots are being distributed equitably across council districts, naming low participation in the Eighth and Ninth districts as a concern.

Most important facts

- Budget numbers: Garvin said the fiscal 2026 budget assumes $4,800,000 from the Youth Fund; he told the council the Youth Fund board’s recent prior approvals total $3.9 million and that the administration will finalize the amount with the board after the budget is adopted. (Budget assumption vs. board allocation was discussed in the hearing.)

- YouthWorks scale and timing: Garvin said YouthWorks will run July 8–Aug. 9 and pay $15 per hour. He and MOED staff reported that last summer about 9,136 young people were employed and that roughly 13,000 completed YouthWorks applications were submitted this year.

- Fundraising and funding mix: Garvin said MOED raises a large share of YouthWorks funding and that since FY16 about 75% of YouthWorks funding on average has come from money raised by MOED or other non‑city sources (state, federal, philanthropic). He said the office supplements city budget allocations by working with state partners, foundations and employers.

Council concerns and MOED responses

Council President Cohen and other council members said the council needs clearer procedures for how Youth Fund allocations are assumed in the budget and how the Youth Fund board approves distributions. Garvin acknowledged the discrepancy between the budget assumption and the board approval and said the administration and the board will finalize available funds after budget adoption.

Council members also pressed MOED on equitable access. Garvin and Denise Brown, assistant director and chief of youth services, described MOED’s outreach: automated online registration, text and email blasts, in‑school and rec‑center presentations, Saturday registration during March and spring break access, and the presence of ‘blueprint’ career coaches embedded in schools. Brown said staff begin outreach in late November or early December to every middle and high school and that blueprint career coaches placed in schools have helped increase registrants.

Requests and next steps

Council members made formal committee requests: to break out YouthWorks budgeting between summer and year‑round slots and to provide a district‑level list of community partners and worksites so council members can promote opportunities and track equity. Garvin agreed to provide those breakdowns and to continue working with council offices on targeted outreach.

Context and limitations

Garvin emphasized that much of MOED’s YouthWorks funding is not city general fund money and that MOED has a history of supplementing the program through negotiated state and philanthropic support. He also said YouthWorks administration relies heavily on nonprofit partners and a small number of general‑funded MOED staff backed by temporary and contracted staff.

Ending

Council members said they will follow up with MOED and the Youth Fund board to reconcile the budget assumption with the board’s allocation and to monitor district‑level participation, particularly in West Baltimore and the Eighth and Ninth districts.

","Baltimore City Council members pressed the mayor’s Office of Employment Development about YouthWorks funding and equitable distribution of summer jobs after Director Matt Garvin said the FY26 budget assumes $4.8 million from the Youth Fund while the Youth Fund board has approved $3.9 million.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MOED warns of federal funding uncertainty, outlines data and employer‑vetting plans for returning citizens

MOED expands 'blueprint' career‑coaching partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools

Council presses MOED on YouthWorks funding, equity and assumed Youth Fund allocation