Councilmember says Pittsburgh Job Corps faces mass layoffs and displacement; city and county partners convening

Councilmember Kahari Moseley told Pittsburgh City Council on June 10 that the Pittsburgh Job Corps program in his district is “facing 180 layoffs” and that “about 60 young people between the ages of 16 and 24” could be unhoused at the end of the month if closure plans proceed.

Moseley said local stakeholders — including the county executive’s office, community colleges, grassroots nonprofits and other partners — are meeting to identify housing, legal and workforce supports. He said legal attempts to block the closure are scheduled to be heard on June 17 and that immediate mutual-aid and transition planning is underway.

“I met with about 2 or 3 dozen stakeholders on Sunday and about 15 students from our job corps,” Moseley said in remarks read into the record. He described the potential impact as significant: “a 180 layoffs ... That's a steel mill. That's a factory. That's the equivalent.”

Councilman Charles Parker offered public support and asked that fellow council members assist in outreach and coordination; the mayor’s office and county executive were referenced as active partners in the response. Moseley said the situation remains fluid and that staff and community organizations are coordinating to identify short-term placements and services for affected students and employees.

No formal council vote on the matter was recorded during the meeting; members said they would continue to work with county and community partners on both immediate needs and longer-term alternatives for the Job Corps site and students.