BUDGET, FISCAL & LEGISLATIVE STANDING COMMITTEE:
Overview on Legal Obligations Regarding Public Hearing on City Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts
(Assembly Bill 2561/Government Code Section 3502.3)
April 9, 2025
What is AB 2561?
AB 2561 requires public agencies, including the
City to hold at least one (1) public hearing per
fiscal year to discuss vacancies, recruitment and
retention efforts.
Goals of AB 2561
• Introduced to address the issue of job vacancies in local government, which adversely affects the delivery of public services and employee workload.
• Among other requirements, the bill mandates that public agencies present the status of vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts during a scheduled public hearing before the agency’s governing body at least once per fiscal year.
Key Provisions
AB 2561 requires public agencies, including the City to hold at least one (1) public hearing per fiscal year to provide reports on vacancies (unfilled budgeted position), recruitment, and retention efforts.
Allow the recognized employee organizations for each bargaining unit to make a presentation If vacancies within a single bargaining unit meet or exceed 20% of authorized then upon request of the recognized employee organization the City must provide additional information during the public hearing, such as:
• Total number job vacancies within the bargaining unit; • The total number of applicants for vacant positions within the bargaining unit; • The average number of days to complete the hiring process from when a position is posted; and
• Opportunities to improve compensation and other working conditions.
Implementation Guidance (Next Steps):
1. City Staff will draft a recommended Council
policy on AB 2561 public hearing presentation
guidelines and bring to City Council for
adoption in May 2025.
2. AB 2561 public hearing will be properly noticed
and scheduled for a Council meeting in June
2025.
Questions & Discussion