Santa Rosa City Council reviews annual vacancy report amid hiring freeze

The Santa Rosa City Council convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding workforce vacancies and the city's comprehensive General Plan 2050. The meeting began with a presentation on the annual vacancy report, highlighting a citywide vacancy rate of 8.24%. This report is part of the ongoing efforts to track job vacancies and improve recruitment and retention strategies within the city’s workforce.

City staff noted that the current hiring freeze, which has transitioned from a soft to a hard freeze due to budget deficits, has significantly impacted recruitment efforts. The freeze has led to approximately 50 to 60 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions remaining unfilled. Council members expressed concerns about how these vacancies relate to the city's budget deficit, with Finance Deputy Director Scott Wagner clarifying that the city anticipates no savings from salaries and benefits due to the hiring freeze.

Councilmember Rogers raised the importance of diversifying recruitment resources, suggesting outreach to local organizations and educational institutions to attract a broader range of candidates once hiring resumes. Councilmember Panuelos echoed this sentiment, advocating for partnerships with junior colleges and universities to tap into new talent pools.

Following the vacancy report, the council moved on to a public hearing regarding the General Plan 2050, which aims to guide the city’s growth and development over the next 25 years. Deputy Director of Planning Jessica Jones introduced the plan, emphasizing its comprehensive nature and the extensive community engagement that shaped its development. The plan includes updates to housing elements, zoning changes, and environmental considerations, all designed to address housing needs and promote sustainable development.

The council discussed a specific amendment related to a property on Dutton Avenue, which involves rezoning from medium-density residential back to general industrial. This change is part of a broader strategy to ensure no net loss of housing opportunities while accommodating industrial needs. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of this amendment.

The General Plan 2050 also incorporates a greenhouse gas reduction strategy, aiming for significant emissions reductions by 2030 and 2045. The plan has undergone rigorous environmental review, with the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) identifying several significant and unavoidable impacts, particularly concerning agricultural resources and air quality.

As the meeting progressed, the council unanimously voted to accept the vacancy report and proceed with the public hearing on the General Plan 2050. The council's actions reflect a commitment to addressing workforce challenges while planning for sustainable growth in Santa Rosa. The next steps will involve finalizing the General Plan and implementing its policies, with further discussions anticipated in upcoming meetings.