CHICAGO— Today Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership hosted the 2026 Fall Citywide Career Fair at Kennedy King College, bringing together.
The Citywide Career Fair connects Chicago residents with employment opportunities across high-demand industries while strengthening coordination among City, County, community, and private-sector partners.
“Every Chicagoan deserves access to meaningful employment and pathways to a secure future,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Today, we are bringing employers, job seekers, training, and supportive resources together to open doors and break down barriers to opportunity.
I am proud to recognize the employers, workforce leaders, and community partners who are helping us build a stronger workforce system and a Chicago where every resident has a pathway to thrive.”
Building on the success of prior hiring fairs, the event brings together employers, workforce agencies, and resource partners in one accessible location to expand hiring opportunities, promote small and local businesses, and advance pathways to sustainable-wage employment across the City of Chicago.
The Fall Citywide Career Fair is the capstone event ofWorkforce Development Month, which recognizes the vital role community-based organizations, public and private employers, and educators play in developing career pathways, empowering families, and fueling inclusive economic growth across Chicago.
The event follows the Spring Citywide Hiring Fair, held in April, which attracted 617 attendees and 79 employers representing over 5,240 employment opportunities.
During the event, Mayor Johnson and the Partnership will recognize employers, community partners, workforce leaders, and frontline practitioners whose contributions are strengthening Chicago’s workforce ecosystem and expanding opportunity for residents.
The Employer Champion Award will be presented to the Illinois Tollway in recognition of its commitment to hiring, career advancement, workforce partnerships, reducing barriers to employment, and creating meaningful career opportunities for Chicago residents.
The Community Partner Champion Award will be presented to Metropolitan Family Services for its impact through workforce programming, resident support, collaboration, and connections to employment and critical resources.
The Workforce Leadership Champion Award will be presented to Mignonne Barnes of Equus Workforce Solutions for her leadership, collaboration, innovation, and commitment to strengthening workforce partnerships and expanding opportunities for residents.
The Frontline Workforce Practitioner Recognition Award will be presented to Tarneisha Lindsey of Cara Collective for her exceptional dedication to serving job seekers, workers, students, and employers and her impact on Chicago’s workforce system.
The Fall Citywide Career Fair will take place on Wednesday, September 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the U-Building at Kennedy-King College.
Mayor’s Office of Community Safetyâ¯â¯
The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety is committed to investing intentionally in people and communities through the full force of government and a community-driven approach that aims to systemically promote community safety by addressing root causes.
For more information visit our website at https:www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/community-safety/home.html.â¯â¯
Mayor’s Office of Health & Human Servicesâ¯The Mayor’s Office of Health & Human Services leads the City of Chicago’s efforts to strengthen health and human services in partnership with communities.
MOHHS oversees the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Department of Family and Support Services, and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.
In alignment with DFSS, we connect Chicago residents and families to resources that build stability, support their well-being, and empower them to thrive in all facets of their life, including workforce development.
In partnership with CDPH and MOCS, we support on violence prevention and re-entry.â¯
City Colleges of Chicagois the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility, empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger Chicago.
Learn more about City Colleges of Chicago by visitingâ¯www.ccc.eduâ¯
Chicago Cook Workforce Partnershipâ¯
The Partnership is the non-profit umbrella organization that oversees one of the largest public workforce systems in the country.
As the designated administrator of federal workforce development funding for the City of Chicago and Cook County, The Partnership manages a network of approximately 70 community-based organizations, including American Job Centers and Career Centers, serving youth and adults.
We also oversee a diverse portfolio of workforce initiatives representing corporate and philanthropic funds leveraging non-federal workforce development funding.
For more information, visitâ¯https:chicookworks.org/.â¯