Strengthening Municipal Workforces through Skills-Based Practices

This guide discusses the implementation of skills-based practices (SBPs) in municipal workforces to address challenges related to talent shortages and recruitment. It outlines how SBPs prioritize observable skills over traditional qualifications like degrees, allowing cities to better connect with diverse talent pools. The document presents findings from a collaborative project by the National League of Cities (NLC) and the American Institutes for Research (AIR), which highlights the benefits of adopting SBPs, such as improved hiring processes and employee retention. Various city examples illustrate successful SBP applications, including Philadelphia's City College for Municipal Employment and Phoenix's apprenticeship programs. The guide emphasizes the importance of starting with targeted talent challenges and gaining buy-in from stakeholders to effectively implement SBPs. It also identifies key elements for successful SBP adoption, including procedural adjustments and cultural changes within municipal organizations. Overall, the guide serves as a resource for cities looking to enhance their workforce strategies through skills-based approaches.