Audit finds gender disparities in city hiring

A report released earlier this month by the Office of the City Auditor found that women are still underrepresented in the city workforce as city agencies work to improve their gender gap in hiring.

A 2021 audit said that Austin “needs to be more deliberate in its pursuit of a diverse workforce,” but since the audit was released, the city’s workforce has become more male-dominated. The 2021 audit found that men made up 61 percent of the workforce. That number is now 66 percent, according to the new report.

Women make up half of the population of the Austin metro area but only 34 percent of the city workforce. When comparing the racial demographics of those in management and nonmanagement positions, the report found that “a higher percentage of management positions are held by white individuals and men.”

The largest gender gap is among the civil service workforce – which includes public safety agencies – where women make up only 13 percent of that workforce. Among regular employees, the gender gap is less skewed, with women accounting for 40 percent.

Large racial gaps are also present in the civil service workforce, according to the report. White people make up 67 percent of civil service employees, with Hispanic and Black people accounting for 23 percent and 6 percent of civil service, respectively.

The overall workforce is predominantly white at 46 percent, about even as the Austin metro area is 48 percent white, according to the report.

The report found that Austin has implemented the six recommendations from the 2021 audit, including adding new equity and inclusion positions in specific departments.

The report on workplace diversity was requested by Council members Zo Qadri and Chito Vela.

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