The Personnel and Hiring Committee of Los Angeles City convened on January 24, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding hiring practices and personnel management in the wake of recent emergencies affecting the community. The meeting featured a range of speakers, including union representatives and community members, who voiced concerns and suggestions regarding the city’s hiring processes and support for affected residents.

The session began with a discussion on the salary adjustments for the Department of Water and Power (DWP), where concerns were raised about the implications of unpaid labor for emergency assistance programs. A speaker criticized the management of water resources, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by residents due to prolonged water shortages.

Marlen Farsaka, Executive Director of the City Workers Union, expressed gratitude to the council for their efforts in supporting impacted citizens. She emphasized the need for collaboration to assist employees affected by recent crises and advocated for the adoption of measures that would provide housing resources for workers in need.

Kirsten Xavier, a children’s librarian, shared her personal experience of losing her home to a fire and called for educational initiatives to inform the public about fire risks. She proposed utilizing library resources to help residents navigate recovery processes.

Teresa Sánchez, representing CIU Local 7, addressed the importance of prioritizing local hiring exceptions to meet critical public safety needs. She underscored the necessity of hiring not only firefighters and police but also essential civilian employees across various city departments to aid in recovery efforts.

The committee reviewed several agenda items, including recommendations for hiring practices and strategies to enhance community engagement in public service roles. The meeting concluded with a commitment to improve hiring processes and support for residents affected by recent disasters.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the urgent need for effective personnel management and community support as Los Angeles continues to recover from recent challenges. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, focusing on actionable steps to enhance the city’s workforce and support systems.