In the bustling chambers of Baltimore City Hall, a pressing issue took center stage during the recent City Council Hearing on May 22, 2025. Council members and city officials gathered to address the ongoing challenge of staffing within the city’s departments, particularly the Department of Public Works (DPW). The conversation revealed a complex web of concerns surrounding the reliance on contractors versus hiring permanent city employees.

One council member voiced frustration over the city’s heavy use of contractors for jobs traditionally performed by city workers. “It feels like double work and double pay,” they remarked, highlighting the paradox of having contractors complete tasks that city employees are also trained to do. With over 1,600 vacancies across various city departments, the council member questioned why so many positions remain unfilled, especially when there is a clear demand from residents eager to work for the city.

In response, city officials acknowledged the issue and pointed to a strategic shift in hiring practices. They emphasized that the administration is actively working to create more permanent positions in departments like finance, IT, and health, moving away from a reliance on external contracts. This initiative aims to not only fill vacancies but also to achieve cost savings for the city.

The discussion turned to the DPW, which has seen success in reducing its vacancy rate. Officials noted that the Bureau of Solid Waste, in particular, has been proactive in hiring, even exceeding its staffing limits. This success story serves as a model for other departments, demonstrating that focused recruitment and onboarding processes can lead to effective staffing solutions.

However, the reliance on contractors persists, especially in the short term. As the DPW prepares to onboard new hires, they will continue to supplement their workforce with external contractors to manage essential services like trash and recycling collection. This temporary measure aims to ensure that city services remain uninterrupted while new employees are trained and integrated into the workforce.

As the meeting concluded, the council members were left with a sense of urgency to address these staffing challenges. The dialogue underscored the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes hiring local talent while managing the immediate demands of city services. With the community's eyes on the council, the path forward remains critical for the future of Baltimore's workforce and the effective delivery of city services.