Mayor Reid and U.S. Rep. Shamari Figgis called on federal officials on Friday to permanently reinstate operations and funding for the Montgomery Job Corps Center after the Department of Labor paused contracts that support the center and a court issued a temporary restraining order that has only briefly prevented closure.

The center, speakers said, provides residential services, job training and placements in fields including construction, health care, information technology and logistics. "This center is more than just a place. It's a lifeline. It's a training ground. It is a second chance," Mayor Reid said, describing the program as a "pipeline for our local industry" that employs nearly 90 people and supports local vendors.

The appeal came during a public event attended by local officials and Job Corps staff. Figgis said the pause and the administration's decision-making failed to account for local impacts and pledged continued advocacy in Washington, including letters to congressional appropriations leaders and to the secretary of labor. "Closing Job Corps centers like the one here in Montgomery ... will throw the futures of hundreds of people," Figgis said, noting students at the center come from multiple counties in his district.

Officials warned the pause threatens both direct jobs at the center and broader local economic activity. Mayor Reid said federal investment tied to the center generates additional local economic activity — an amount he characterized in his remarks as "about $144,000,000 in potential economic activity that's at risk." He also said Job Corps provides housing, meals, counseling and mentorship to students who frequently face homelessness, poverty or limited support.

Speakers described the temporary restraining order as a short-term reprieve that underlines the need for a permanent solution: stable, ongoing federal support rather than recurring budget fights. Figgis said his office previously sent a letter to the appropriations subcommittee overseeing labor funding and had recently sent another letter to the secretary of labor seeking reinstatement of operations.

There were no formal votes or policy actions at the event. City and congressional officials framed the day as a public appeal and a commitment to continue advocacy in Washington to restore full funding and operations for the Montgomery Job Corps Center.