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Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a three-year agreement with the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) to develop and implement an “Embracing Diversity - Building The Inclusive City” training program for City employees over a three-year period in an amount of $202,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Over the past year, City management has been actively engaged in addressing the challenges and opportunities we face attracting, hiring and developing the highest quality workforce, and one that is reflective of the diverse community we serve.
At the direction of the City Manager, senior management, in cooperation with the Civil Service Department, has developed a series of action strategies designed both to enhance the City's external recruitment/outreach efforts, and expand our internal staff development and training programs. Among the many plans that have already been implemented are: increased participation and recruitment outreach at ethnic and cultural celebrations throughout the year; expansion of our mentoring and career development programs; expanded training a[ld professional development programs; enhanced communication efforts directed toward minority organizations, community colleges and trade schools; increased diversity on interview panels; a financial candidate referral incentive program for Police Recruit; and diversity awareness training components for all New Employee Orientation and Supervisory Leadership training programs.
These programs have already begun to have a positive impact. On a citywide basis, our female and minority hiring rate for the most recent reporting period represents a 3 percent increase over the previous year. For public safety positions, our female and minority hiring rate is up 1.7 percent over the previous year.
While we are proud of these gains, more can be done. Over the past several months, staff has been meeting with representatives from the National Conference for Community Justice (...
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