Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, MOPD Strengthen Career Center, Workforce Pipelines for People with Disabilities

CHICAGO ~ Chicago has been selected as one of eight cities to participate in a new technical assistance experience aimed at strengthening workforce pipelines for people with disabilities. Led by the National League of Cities (NLC) Learning Lab, this program is part of Mayor Brandon Johnson's efforts to promote disability inclusion within the city's workforce.

In a statement, Mayor Johnson expressed his pride in the MOPD Career Center, which plays a crucial role in the administration's commitment to promoting disability inclusion. He also highlighted Chicago's selection for the Learning Lab as a testament to the city's innovative strategies and results in expanding opportunities for all residents.

The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) led a team from Chicago to Washington, D.C. on May 6-7, 2026, to participate in this program and develop solutions that ensure people with disabilities have access to good jobs. The MOPD Career Center works with job seekers and employers to identify qualified candidates and provide support and retention services.

The Chicago team included Christina McGleam, Deputy Commissioner of MOPD; Lauren Hooberman, Program Manager at MOPD Career Center; Joanna Madigan, Senior Manager of Workforce Development at World Business Chicago (WBC); and Latrice Garth, Senior Manager of HR at Lincoln Park Zoo.

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MOPD Commissioner Rachel Arfa thanked their staff and cross-sector partners such as World Business Chicago and employer champions like Lincoln Park Zoo for their support. She also expressed gratitude towards the National League of Cities for this opportunity to scale out their model and increase inclusive employers throughout Chicago.

During the Learning Lab, the Chicago team developed steps to further engage employers through participation in the MOPD Employer Champions Committee. This committee was launched in April 2025 and is co-led by World Business Chicago. Its goal is to bring together public and private sector employers committed to inclusive employment practices and increase job opportunities for people with disabilities.

Chicago was one of eight cities selected to join the Expanding Workforce Opportunities for All Learning Lab. The other cities included Albany, NY; Birmingham, AL; Boise, ID; Houston, TX; Little Rock, AR; Miramar, FL; and New York, NY.

The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) is dedicated to ensuring full participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities in all aspects of life. They advocate for and support programs that improve quality of life and promote innovation and partnership. Their goal is to inspire positive change in Chicago by ensuring the rights of the disability community are represented across city services, initiatives, and policies.

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