Local Governments Face Persistent Staffing Gaps Despite Applicant Surge
Many cities are still struggling to fill public-sector jobs even though more people are applying. A workforce expert told Pew Charitable Trusts that vacancies have strained services and increased overtime, with Philadelphia seeing its vacancy rate rise from 6.6 percent to 16.5 percent. Some other large cities, including San Diego, Phoenix and Dallas, have added public employees since the pandemic.
Philadelphia's public workforce size is about pre-pandemic level, yet its vacancy rate climbed from 6.6% to 16.5%, with unfilled funded roles rising between fiscal 2019 and 2025. San Diego, Phoenix, and Dallas have enlarged their municipal payrolls since COVID-19.
Even as applications increase, agencies struggle to process them. Work for America's Caitlin Lewis notes that 300,000 federal workers lost jobs in 2025 and AI lets applicants apply to dozens of positions quickly, creating review bottlenecks and longer hiring times.
Persistent vacancies could delay permits, inspections, emergency responses, and library or sanitation services, affecting residents and small businesses. Public employees may face heavier workloads and overtime, which could worsen burnout and retention. If gaps continue, trust in local government may erode, though cities that add staff could see service improvements. The impact likely varies by department and location.