Hartford human resources highlights recruitment push, training pipelines and benefits costs in FY26 briefing

Human Resources Director Marlene Fleeting presented the department’s FY26 recommendations to the Operations, Management, Budget and Government Accountability Committee, emphasizing recruitment, training and benefits management.

The presentation summarized FY25 accomplishments — marketing and outreach campaigns, a citywide career fair, updated job descriptions for many classifications, training and promotional testing — and described FY26 priorities that include negotiating collective bargaining agreements, automating HR systems, expanding employee orientation and continuing recruitment efforts focused on Hartford residents.

Why it matters: HR told the committee the city faces the same labor market challenges as other employers (competition on pay, hybrid work options and retention). Council members pressed HR on measurable progress in reducing vacancies, residency hiring rates and the feasibility of hybrid or alternate work schedules.

Recruitment, residency preference and job descriptions

Fleeting and Assistant Director Pamela Ratti said the department runs targeted outreach including bus and radio ads, job‑fair attendance and mailings aimed at Hartford residents. Ratti described a civil‑service process that requires departments to interview Hartford residents listed on an eligible register before hiring outside the city.

Fleeting…