City Of Phoenix Releases Employment Report

Dec. 11, 2001

The following also is provided in Spanish. Lo siguiente también es provisto en Español.

Diversity continues to improve within the city of Phoenix work force - nearly 35 percent of city employees are ethnic minorities and slightly more than 32 percent are female.

These are just some of the findings in the Equal Employment Opportunity Statistical Report for fiscal year 2000-2001, which ended in June. The annual report, compiled by the Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department, evaluates the city's progress in developing a work force that reflects the available labor pool in Maricopa County.

The percentage of minorities and women in the city's employee base has increased steadily over the past 20 years. For 15 consecutive years, the percentage of female employees classified as professionals has risen and now stands at just over 42 percent. Minorities also have experienced steady growth in professional occupations and make up almost 25 percent of the employees in this group.

Currently, the city's employee base is compared to 1990 Census figures for Maricopa County for affirmative action purposes. EEO data from the 2000 Census is not projected to be available until 2003.

According to Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks, the city is firmly committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all people regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

"We are highly committed to the work of the city's Diversity Task Force," said Fairbanks. "We are embracing initiatives that support diversity and that grant respect and fair treatment to everyone. It is especially important at this time in our nation to promote inclusion in the work force."

A complete copy of the Equal Opportunity Statistical Report for 2000-2001 is available by calling 602-262-7716.

Media Contact:

Carole Coles Henry Marcie Colpas

602-262-6258 602-262-6164