Rethinking Recruitment and Retention: A Blueprint for Local Governments

The workforce crisis in local government is at a tipping point. Hiring delays, talent shortages, and outdated recruitment practices are making it harder than ever for cities and counties to attract and retain employees. A new survey by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and TrueComp reveals that 43% of agencies take one to three months to fill a vacancy. The longer these positions remain unfilled, the greater the strain on public services and the employees left to carry the workload.

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The Cost of Inaction

When vacancies persist, agencies face serious financial and operational consequences. According to Route Fifty, replacing a government employee can cost up to 150% of their salary due to lost productivity, hiring expenses, and training costs. Beyond financial strain, prolonged vacancies lead to lower staff morale, slower emergency response times, and decreased public trust.

The challenge isn’t just hiring—it’s also about retention. Public agencies are losing top talent to private-sector employers offering higher salaries, remote work options, and faster hiring processes. As a result, government employees are overburdened, leading to burnout and further turnover.

Breaking Down Barriers to Change

While the workforce crisis is pressing, local governments have an opportunity to turn the tide. Agencies that have modernized their recruitment and retention strategies are seeing tangible improvements. Some of the key solutions include:

• Modernizing Compensation: Pay structures must reflect current labor market trends. Agencies using real-time compensation insights have improved hiring success rates and reduced turnover.
• Streamlining Hiring Processes: Lengthy and bureaucratic hiring procedures deter candidates. By adopting skills-based hiring and simplifying application processes, agencies can attract a wider talent pool.
• Investing in Employee Growth: Professional development programs, tuition reimbursements, and mentorship opportunities make government jobs more attractive and sustainable for employees.

Lessons from Forward-Thinking Agencies

Some cities and counties are already taking proactive steps to solve these workforce challenges. For example, the City of Columbus used workforce data to identify compensation gaps and hiring obstacles, enabling the city to recruit more effectively. Other agencies have adopted benefits like flexible scheduling and leadership development programs, leading to stronger retention and increased job satisfaction.

The Role of Data in Workforce Planning

To stay competitive in today’s labor market, agencies must leverage data-driven workforce strategies. Predictive analytics help governments anticipate skill shortages, forecast hiring needs, and adjust compensation plans accordingly. A proactive approach to workforce planning ensures agencies can fill positions more efficiently and retain institutional knowledge.

Creating a Culture of Retention

Building a sustainable workforce isn’t just about filling vacancies—it’s about creating an environment where employees want to stay. Local governments can improve retention by:

• Conducting engagement surveys and stay interviews
• Offering meaningful benefits such as wellness programs and flexible work options
• Establishing mentorship and succession planning programs

When employees feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to remain in public service for the long term.

The Future of Government Workforce Starts Now

The challenges in recruitment and retention aren’t going away—but local governments can take action today to secure a stronger workforce for tomorrow. By modernizing hiring practices, embracing data-driven strategies, and prioritizing employee development, agencies can build a more resilient and engaged team.

Want to dive deeper into these strategies?

Download our eBook:Rethinking Recruitment and Retention: A New Blueprint for Cities and Counties, and discover how your agency can attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market.

Download the eBook