By Jorge Casuso

May 27, 2025 -- A total of 254 full-time positions became vacant in the City last year as officials look for ways to recruit and retain workers, including allowing many to work from home.

According to a new State-mandated report the City Council will take up Tuesday, a total of 124 full-time employees resigned, retired or were involuntarily let go in 2024.

The report is mandated under Assembly Bill (AB) 2561, a new State law that requires public agencies to hold a public hearing "on the status of job vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts" before adopting a final budget.

According to the Human Resources Department, the City of Santa Monica had 2,037 full-time budgeted positions last year. A total of 53 positions were newly established, while 105 were vacated due to promotions or transfers.

Of the remainder, 42 became vacant due to resignations, 28 due to retirements, 21 due to involuntary separations and 5 due to deaths.

In 2024, the City filled 293 full-time positions, with 70 filled through promotions and 223 with outside hires.

The City "is addressing a range of recruitment challenges that mirror broader trends in public sector employment," staff said in the report to the Council.

These include "budgetary constraints, increased competition for talent, and an evolving public perception regarding the benefits of working in the public sector."

Human Resources is "actively evaluating recruitment and hiring practices, department-specific needs, and overall workforce conditions to attract and retain a highly qualified workforce," staff wrote.

The strategies include "conducting proactive outreach campaigns to connect with potential candidates who may not be actively seeking new roles."

To maintain workers and "enhance the overall employee experience," the City is offering a comprehensive benefits package and "providing telework options for eligible positions to promote work-life balance."

The report will be presented on Tuesday, when the Council holds a study session on a proposed $789.9 million budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and a $825.5 million budget for FY 2026-27.

Bargaining units representing workers can make a presentation at the meeting "concerning vacancies and recruitment/retention efforts for positions within their units."