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Air district keeps hybrid telework policy, explores headquarters leasing and readies labor negotiations
Summary
Staff said the district will continue its hybrid telework policy based on performance metrics and employee surveys, continue to explore sale or leasing options for headquarters amid a weak commercial market, and begin employee association bargaining this fall with the MOU expiring 06/30/2027.
Megan Shepherd, director of administrative services, briefed the board on the district's telework policy, headquarters strategy and upcoming labor negotiations. Shepherd said annual performance reviews, employee satisfaction surveys and operational needs support continuing the current hybrid model, and noted that more than half of employees are on-site more than half the time because of field and operational duties.
"We have determined that our current hybrid model continues to effectively support the district's needs," Shepherd said, pointing to regular leadership meetings, monthly all‑hands days and performance management practices the agency uses to maintain accountability. She said staff will continue to monitor the policy and return with adjustments if the data indicate changes are necessary.
On facilities, Shepherd said downtown commercial real‑estate demand remains weak; staff are exploring lease and sale options to improve building marketability while completing cost‑effective upgrades like new entry doors and first-floor flooring. On labor relations, she said the district's MOU with the Air District Employees Association expires on 06/30/2027 and that four bargaining sessions begin in August.
Board members raised related operational and cultural points: Vice Chair Maple said the district's telework stance had a public‑health and air‑quality rationale and was important to model for the region; Director Dickinson urged attention to onboarding and expectations for new staff as workforce turnover occurs. Staff said they will return with organizational recommendations informed by employee surveys.
