Pueblo City Council members engaged in a productive discussion during the recent work session on February 24, 2025, focusing on recruitment strategies and the impact of staffing changes within the city’s departments.

A key highlight was the ongoing efforts to enhance recruitment for city positions, particularly within the police department. Councilor Martinez inquired about the success of job fairs, to which city officials reported that local events, especially those at CSU Pueblo and Fort Carson, yielded the highest number of applicants. The city is also expanding its reach beyond Colorado, attracting interest from candidates in states like Minnesota, California, Iowa, and Ohio.

The introduction of a new recruitment system, Attract, was noted as a significant advancement. This system allows the city to engage potential candidates more effectively, including the use of QR codes on promotional materials to streamline communication with interested applicants. This innovative approach aims to not only fill vacancies but also promote Pueblo as an attractive place to live and work.

Additionally, the council discussed the implications of not adding new positions for the current fiscal year. While there were some promotions within the fire department, officials acknowledged that this would create a ripple effect, leading to vacancies that would need to be filled over the coming months. The process of promoting existing staff and hiring new employees can take several months, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels.

Overall, the discussions underscored the city’s commitment to improving its workforce while navigating the complexities of recruitment and retention. As Pueblo continues to adapt its strategies, the council remains focused on ensuring that the city can attract and retain qualified personnel to serve the community effectively.