This discussion item, sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez, was referred to FERC at the September 14, 2022, Commission Meeting.  At the February 17, 2023 FERC meeting, the item was discussed and the Committee requested that the Administration return to FERC with a draft policy to implement a local hiring preference.

In January 2023, the Human Resources (HR) administration surveyed multiple governmental entities and found very few that provide resident preference points for the purpose of employment opportunities.  

The City of Miami Beach currently experiences significant challenges in recruiting for many technical and professional positions.  Any impediment to increasing the pool of applicants would be concerning.  The City Attorney’s Office advised avoiding a policy that would create a disparate hiring impact.

A draft resolution is included for discussion that would adopt a residence hiring preference policy and which would further direct the City Manager to establish an Administrative Procedure that provides a hiring preference for Miami Beach residents who apply for Unclassified job postings and meet the minimum requirements of the posted job.  The Administrative Procedure shall at a minimum require that Miami Beach residents who apply for Unclassified job postings, meet the minimum qualifications, and are eligible for hire be included in the list of applicants to be interviewed by the recruiting department.

Upon approval by the FERC committee, a resolution will be presented to the full Commission that would adopt a residence hiring preference policy and further directs the Administration to develop an Administrative Procedure which provides for a limited local hiring preference for Miami Beach residents.