El Cerrito presents annual recruitment and retention report under new AB 2561 law

El Cerrito City Council held its annual public hearing on vacancies, recruitment, and retention on May 20, 2025, marking a significant step in compliance with the newly enacted AB 2561. This legislation mandates public agencies to report on their workforce status at least once a year, aiming to address the challenges posed by job vacancies that can hinder service delivery and increase employee burnout.

During the meeting, Human Resources Manager Shannon Bassi presented an overview of the city’s workforce data, revealing that El Cerrito maintained a total of 163.8 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions throughout 2024. The report highlighted an average vacancy rate of 10% over the year, with the highest rate reaching 12% and the lowest at 9%. Notably, this rate remains below the 20% threshold that would trigger further scrutiny under the new law.

Bassi detailed the recruitment process, noting that 21 vacancies were filled in 2024, with an average of 67 days taken to complete the hiring process. The city identified several obstacles to recruitment, including competitive salary issues and challenges applicants faced during the background check process. To address these, the city plans to enhance its recruitment branding, streamline hiring procedures, and expand outreach to diverse community groups.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for representatives from various bargaining units to voice their concerns and suggestions regarding the recruitment and retention strategies. The council encouraged feedback to improve future reports and processes.

As El Cerrito moves forward, the city aims to implement these strategies to attract and retain top talent, ensuring effective service delivery to its residents. The council's commitment to transparency and improvement in workforce management reflects a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by vacancies in local government.