May 4, 2026 www.paloalto.gov
Public Hearing: AB2561
Vacancies, Recruitment,
and Retention
Public Hearing: AB2561
Vacancies, Recruitment,
and Retention
City Council
Item #15
• New legislation adopted in 2024
• Requires a public hearing once per fiscal year on:
• Current vacancies
• Recruitment and retention efforts
• Barrier to hiring and process improvements
• Must occur before budget adoption
• Recognized labor groups are offered opportunity to present AB2561 – Vacancy and Recruitment
AB2561 – Vacancy and Recruitment
3 Vacancy by Bargaining Unit
Vacancy by Bargaining Unit
Bargaining Unit FTE Vacancies %
SEIU 616.60 73.5 11.9%
UMPAPA 54 5 9%
IAFF 99 3 3%
FCA 4 0 0%
PAPOA 78 10 12.8%
PMA 7 0 0%
4 Data as of April 2026
• Comprehensive Recruitment Strategic Plan presented to Council May 6, 2024
• The City Auditor completed Recruitment & Succession
Planning audit; Council approved on December 16, 2024
• Phase I of comprehensive strategic plan complete, Phase II currently under waythrough FY 27
• Recruitment process efficiencies resulting in reduced time to fill and time from offer to start date
• Retention initiatives include: continued Positive Work Environment focus, Workforce Career Advancement and
Continuity Planning, and revamped Leadership Training
Recruitment and Retention
Recruitment and Retention
5 • This concludes our presentation for AB2561
• Staff are available to answer any additional questions from Council • The labor partners present this evening who expressed an interest in speaking are IAFF, SEIU and POA. Each will have 6 minutes to present.
Conclusion
Conclusion
6