PHILADELPHIA – Today, the City of Philadelphia, through its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), released the 2023 Workforce Diversity Profile and Annual Report. As in previous years, the report provides an in-depth summary of the demographic data of the City of Philadelphia’s municipal full-time workforce, including a more detailed examination of the exempt workforce. All data is for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) and is reflective as of June 30, 2023.
“We know that when government looks like the diverse people it serves, it has a greater opportunity for making an impact,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “The Annual Diversity Profile Report continues the City’s strategy of using data to inform our priorities which includes building a workforce that is reflective of Philadelphia communities.”
Similar to past years, this report only evaluates the portions of the exempt workforce that are under the purview of the executive branch and excludes information from independent offices and agencies including the City Commissioners, the City Controller’s Office, City Council, the District Attorney’s Office, the First Judicial District, the Register of Wills, and the Sheriff’s Office.
The analysis looks at the racial, ethnic, and gender breakdown of the workforce. Several distinct categories within the exempt workforce—including senior leadership, Cabinet members, and the executive exempt workforce (those exempt employees who make over $90,000 per year)—were also examined.
“I am proud of the work that we’ve accomplished during the Kenney Administration,” said Josie B.H. Pickens, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. “Since 2016, the City has developed an organization-wide and collaborative approach to DEI which has resulted in shared definitions and standards for our efforts; increased collaboration between city departments to address DEI and racial equity; improved communication with residents, and mechanisms for measuring our impact.”
KEY FINDINGS:
- Racial and ethnic diversity of the exempt workforce increased from the beginning of the Kenney Administration to 55.96% from 50.3% in FY16.
- Racial and ethnic diversity of the executive exempt workforce increased from the beginning of the Kenney Administration to 47.78% in FY23 from 39% in FY16.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Strategic Use of Data: The report underscores the City’s commitment to informed decision-making through the strategic use of data. Enhancing transparency has been and continues to be critical for the longevity of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the City.
- Focused Evaluation: The analysis delves into the exempt workforce under the executive branch’s purview, providing an in-depth examination of the racial, ethnic, and gender composition. Distinct categories, including senior leadership, Cabinet members, and the executive exempt workforce, are explored.
- Ongoing Tracking: The report acknowledges the launch of the workforce diversity dashboard in January 2023, providing a real-time measure of the City’s progress beyond the report’s reflective period. This dynamic tool underscores the City’s commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.
- Future Focus: The report emphasizes the City’s ongoing efforts to cultivate and reinforce an inclusive and equitable organizational culture. This involves empowering employees, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring universal access to opportunities, irrespective of demographic factors.
This report does not measure changes in workforce diversity that have occurred between June 30, 2023, and the publication of this report.
To follow the City’s progress in workforce diversity, visit the Workforce Diversity Dashboard, which was launched in January 2023. The Workforce Diversity Dashboard is updated every month.