Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, City Colleges of Chicago, and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership hosted a hiring and resource fair on September 30 at Malcolm X College Conference Center. The event was designed to connect residents with employment opportunities, career pathways, and support services.

Mayor Johnson emphasized the link between stable employment and community safety. “The work of building safe communities starts with opportunity and stability,” he said. “I grew up in a household with nine siblings, we no doubt had our challenges, but we knew we were safe and secure because our father was going to work everyday. By expanding access to employment, career pathways, and support services that make upward mobility possible, we’re making direct investments in the futures of hundreds of Chicagoans and their families while providing critical resources to build healthy, whole, and safe communities across our city.”

The event is part of ongoing partnerships involving City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the Chi Cook Workforce Partnership, Illinois Department of Employment Security, and SERCO. This marks the fourth hiring fair organized by the Mayor’s Office this year.

According to organizers, more than 1,400 people have attended People’s Plan Hiring Events in 2025. These events offer job interviews on site as well as information about technical education programs leading to jobs that pay a living wage. Additional workforce development support aims to help attendees prepare for jobs or transition into new careers.

Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood stated: “Providing access to stable employment is the way we, as government, can create real sustainable change in our communities. It is our job to work together to address the limitations to accessing those opportunities. The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety will continue partnering with individuals and organizations to invest in work readiness programs and access to employment.”

The initiative highlights how public safety can be strengthened through economic opportunity and upward mobility. Services at these events include connections with employers from various sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing; training programs; professional development sessions; workforce support services; and free headshots.

Deputy Provost Stacia Edwards from City Colleges noted: “Mayor Brandon Johnson, City Colleges and all our partners are deeply committed to supporting our community and our students. The hiring and wellness fair serves as a public resource for exploring career opportunities, building professional networks, and demonstrating the skills needed to achieve your career goals.”

George Wright, CEO of The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership said: “The Partnership is proud to collaborate with the City of Chicago and other partners to produce today’s event. At the Partnership, we know Chicagoans want to work and employers want to hire local talent to remain competitive! As the organization that oversees the public workforce system in this region, we are proud to be a part of today’s event, connecting residents to opportunities and employers to their next great hire.”

Trenity Dobbey from the Mayor’s Office of Health & Human Services added: "Workforce isn’t just about jobs—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and equity. For me, this work is deeply personal. I’ve seen firsthand how access to a career can change the trajectory of a life, a family, and an entire community... Under Mayor Johnson’s leadership, we are carving out a dedicated focus on workforce development as core civic infrastructure. This means meeting residents where they are... creating clear pathways to lasting careers."

At this event Mayor Johnson also proclaimed September 2025 as Workforce Development Month in Chicago—recognizing professionals who strengthen career pathways for residents.

Attendance at Tuesday's event was free for all members of the public who registered at https://ChiCookWorks.org/Work30.