To combat persistent vacancies across city departments, Austin announced the launch of a new six-month hiring campaign designed to spur recruitment beginning Feb. 1.
Austin’s staffing crisis has affected departments from parks to police in recent years, and like many other city governments and businesses, the situation was driven to a higher level amid the pandemic. The issue of employee recruitment and retention was highlighted by both City Manager Spencer Cronk and City Council throughout last year including during civic budget planning; Cronk’s proposed spending plan gave government workers raises and stipends, and council members went on to raise Austin’s minimum wage to $20 per hour.
Now, the city is beginning what it called Austin’s largest-ever public information campaign in an attempt to draw Central Texas residents to fill the hundreds vacant positions still remaining. Backed by its human resources department and public information office, the city said messaging will be centered around a new slogan: “Get Hired! It’s more than just a job. Find a career with the City of Austin.”
Although Austin is still seeing widespread vacancies, the campaign comes after the city reported signs that last year’s living wage hike likely has led to some improved hiring results so far. Despite those trends, the city said the new campaign will roll out given that staffing is expected to remain an issue through 2023.
