This study examines the impact of the Youth Development City Pilot initiative on youth employment and its underlying mechanisms, using data from the 2023-2025 China Social Governance Survey and a cohort difference-in- differences approach. The results show that the pilot initiative significantly improves youth employment. The primary mechanisms include broadening social networks, increasing access to public services, and reducing income inequality. Rather than simply creating jobs—akin to "giving a fish"—the initiative emphasizes enhancing young people’s ability to earn higher incomes and improve their living standards—"teaching how to fish"—while also raising their life satisfaction. Furthermore, the employment benefits are stronger for disadvantaged youth with lower education levels, social status, or social capital. These findings suggest that the Youth Development City Pilot initiative has a "support-for-the-weak" effect, helping to alleviate resource constraints and life pressures by compensating for gaps in human capital, social capital, and psychological capital. This approach fosters a synergistic relationship between urban development and youth empowerment.