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Modesto reports 9.1% citywide vacancy rate and outlines recruitment, retention measures under AB 2561
Summary
Human Resources reported a 9.1% citywide vacancy rate, time-to-hire averaging about 97 days, and targeted recruitment and retention steps including wage alignment, open houses, and training; the council accepted the informational report unanimously.
The Modesto City Council received an informational report on May 12 about job vacancies, recruitment and retention efforts required under Assembly Bill 2561.
Christine Alger, director of human resources, said the city’s vacancy rate is 9.1% (a snapshot taken roughly six weeks before the meeting) while comparable cities average about 10.43%. Alger said some small departments show higher-percentage vacancies because a single open position is a larger share of the team. "Citywide, we are at 9.1% vacancy rate," she said.
Alger reviewed classification-specific shortages (for example, community service officers and park rangers among police-related classifications), recruitment strategies (open houses, targeted advertising, job fairs, onboarding improvements and hiring incentives), and retention efforts including training: the average city tenure is about eight years and turnover for the last year was 9.5%.
Council members asked about funding for vacant positions and exit interviews; staff confirmed vacancies are funded in the budget and that the city collects exit-interview data electronically. The council voted to accept the informational report by unanimous roll call.
What happens next: Human Resources will continue targeted recruitment and retention strategies and return updates as needed; council received the report as an informational compliance requirement under state law.
