Every day, millions of hardworking municipal government staff deliver services and programs that directly impact quality of life for their residents and the economic vitality of their communities. These same local governments, however, are struggling to fill critical positions, placing pressure on existing staff, stretching often already limited resources and undermining the provision of public services. These headlines from the last year show how municipal workforce challenges can have community-wide implications:
- “Staffing shortages slow city’s trash, recycling pickup”
- “Four bus routes temporarily impacted due to staff shortages”
- “Staffing shortage forces City fire crews out of service”
- “City faces lasting impact from city staff turnover”
- “City Police Department comes to grips with an alarming staffing shortage”
With competing priorities, limited resources and continued duty to provide critical services, it can feel daunting to know where to start. But it isn’t all doom and gloom. Recently, three cities have made headlines for investments in their municipal workforce across the talent lifecycle, from training and development to labor engagement to skills-based hiring.
Philadelphia, PA
Motivated to ensure the city was a model for economic mobility, Philadelphia, PA Mayor Cherelle Parker launched the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME). CCME provides free workforce training and a pathway to employment with the city. CCME programming and wraparound supports are available to individuals interested in a city career, as well as to those who lack the necessary education, training or certifications. It is also open to current city employees for upskilling.
The city is not only modeling the way for other employers, but leveraging city employment as a means to bring together siloed programs and partners from across the city.
Scarborough, ME
The town of Scarborough, ME filled chronic vacancies and fully staffed departments thanks to engagement with their four unions, yielding a boost to municipal wages. This investment in turn helped the town close long-standing pay gaps that were inhibiting their ability to compete for talent with neighboring communities.
The police department is now fully staffed, public works crews are complete for the first time in 18 months and the dispatch center is nearing full capacity. These improvements reduce overtime, increase service reliability and quality and bolster the town’s ability to manage fluctuations in demand and emergencies.
For Scarborough’s leadership, current and future investments in their staff are essential to sustain community satisfaction, proven by the high marks they are receiving on community-wide surveys.
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL joined the likes of many cities and states in removing degree requirements for public sector jobs. This move sends a signal to Chicagoans that their lived experiences and skills are just as valuable as traditional degrees when it comes to public service.
Alderman Gilbert Villegas led the charge, noting that as a veteran he wants the city to open more pathways to the middle class for fellow veterans and residents who have been historically marginalized. This is a bold first step for “tearing the paper ceiling” in Chicago.
Next Steps
As you reflect on your city’s talent challenges, whether they be related to training and career development, hiring or compensation, know that there are many tools and levers available to grow and retain a workforce that is representative of your community and capable of providing the high-quality service your residents deserve.
Municipal Workshop Learning Lab
NLC is launching the new Municipal Workforce Learning Lab to help cities recruit, train and retain a skilled and diverse workforce and create sustainable talent pipelines for critical local government jobs. NLC is seeking three cities committed to enhancing their support for their municipal workforce to participate in an 8-month intensive action planning process to build city capacity to drive changes in policies, practices and programs that advance economic opportunity for city residents and employees.
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