Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Commissioner Louis Molina on Helping New Yorkers Find Jobs & the City’s Evolution

Episode Date: December 3, 2025
Guests: Commissioner Louis Molina
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Podcast: The Breakfast Club (iHeartPodcasts)

Overview

This episode of The Breakfast Club features Commissioner Louis Molina, who joins DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God to discuss new city initiatives aimed at helping New Yorkers find stable jobs, the evolution of career opportunities in New York City, and the long-term value of government employment. The discussion covers the new “Delivering4U NYC” jobs program, the benefits and stability of municipal employment, opportunities for those without degrees, the value of union work, and inclusivity for immigrants and older workers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Launch of the “Delivering4U NYC” Jobs Initiative

[03:12–04:26]

• Commissioner Molina introduces “Delivering4U NYC,” a city partnership with Power 105.1 to connect New Yorkers to thousands of job openings.
• Multiple job opportunities are available—from entry-level roles to positions for mid-career professionals.
• Notably, there are urgent needs for teachers and school nurses.

Notable Quote:

“When you're in the number one city in the world and you have job opportunities, you gotta come to the number one show to let people know what's going on, right?”
— Commissioner Louis Molina [03:21]

2. Scope of Careers & Long-Term Prospects

[03:49–05:12]

• Roles highlighted include assistant school safety agents, taxi and limousine commission inspectors, and positions for college graduates like school teachers and nurses.
• Emphasis on career trajectories within government—for example, one can move between agencies while retaining pension and retirement benefits.
• Government jobs are lauded for stability, lack of layoffs, and long-term career growth.

Notable Quote:

“We have thousands of city workers that start off an agency and 25, 30 years later, they retire from the same agencies. ... You can also port your career to other agencies while still maintaining your city credit towards your retirement and your pension.”
— Commissioner Louis Molina [04:30]

3. Impact of Recent Policy Changes and Shutdowns

[05:12–06:09]

• Federal government shutdowns have “minimal impact” on city workers due to independent budgeting and large population base.
• Clarifies that city versus federal employment have different risks/stability.
• On the new federal move that reclassifies nursing: Molina asserts nursing is still an “advanced vocational job” with strong prospects and city demand.

4. Opportunities for Non-Degree Holders & Career Ladders

[06:48–08:05]

• Roles not requiring a college degree include custodial jobs, with the possibility of advancing through the city’s investment in staff education.
• The EPIC program allows workers to earn high school equivalency and college credit while employed, increasing internal mobility.

Notable Quote:

“Just because you don't have a high school equivalency, doesn't mean that you cannot have a career in the City of New York. ... The City of New York is willing to invest with you so that you can have the career that you choose.”
— Commissioner Louis Molina [07:35]

5. Benefits of Unionized Government Work

[08:05–09:02]

• Approximately 83% of City jobs are accessed via civil service exams and are unionized.
• Union membership provides workplace advocacy, salary negotiations, and stability.
• Emphasizes dignity, security, and collective bargaining's role in public sector jobs.

Notable Quote:

“Being a member of a union job really is a big benefit. Working for the City of New York.”
— Commissioner Louis Molina [08:57]

6. Affordability, Young Workers, and the New Mayor

[09:02–09:55]

• The incoming mayor is focusing on affordability and opportunity, which dovetails with city efforts to fill critical jobs.
• Projected expansion of affordable housing and recruitment as strategies for economic stability.
• Calls for young people to join the workforce to drive change from within.

7. Resources for Teachers and System Issues

[09:55–10:30]

• While Molina is focused on job recruitment, he underscores the importance of supporting teachers with adequate resources, but defers policy specifics to the NYC public schools system.

8. Portability, Inclusivity, and Application Process

[10:30–12:07]

• Government job skills are “portable”—beneficial for moving to private sector or other government roles.
• The city is age-inclusive, hiring both young and senior candidates.
• Application is streamlined: via the Delivering4U NYC website or 212-386-5000; most jobs require a civil service exam, others resume/application.

Notable Quote:

“All of the skills that you would gain working for the City of New York, their portable skills ... These life journey experiences are of significant value at any age.”
— Commissioner Louis Molina [10:44]

9. Encouragement for Career Changes & Access for Immigrants

[12:07–12:48]

• Molina encourages anyone seeking a new career or feeling lost to start by reaching out on the website or the provided number for personal guidance.
• Not all city jobs require U.S. citizenship—documented immigrants can be hired for certain roles.

Notable Quote:

“Certain jobs may require US Citizenship, but we have persons that are in a documented capacity that work for the city.”
— Commissioner Louis Molina [12:48]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “This is actually a blessing.”
  — Charlemagne Tha God, on city hiring efforts in a tough job market [12:05]

• “Go to the website, DeliveringForYou.NYC … you can have an exploratory conversation or you can call us ... a live person will help you.”
  — Commissioner Louis Molina [12:15]

Important Timestamps

• [03:12] Introduction to new job initiatives
• [04:30] Benefits of city employment
• [05:12] Effect of federal shutdowns on city jobs
• [06:09] Nursing job prospects
• [07:10] EPIC education and no-degree job paths
• [08:05] Union benefits and job security
• [09:09] Policy focus with the new mayor
• [10:39] Long-term value of government work
• [11:21] Application process (website and phone)
• [12:07] Career changer encouragement and inclusivity
• [12:48] Discussion on citizenship and eligibility

Conclusion

Commissioner Louis Molina offers an optimistic and actionable overview of the career prospects available in New York City, highlighting city government’s commitment to inclusivity, stability, and upward mobility. The episode serves as encouragement both for those seeking work and those considering career changes, with numerous practical resources shared for New Yorkers ready to take the next step.

Key Resource:

• DeliveringForYou.NYC
• Phone: 212-386-5000