Now Hiring Initiative to Match Local Job Openings with Interested Applicants in Sacramento’s Central City

(May 3, 2021) – As the Sacramento region continues its path to full reopening and recovery, many local small businesses and restaurants are working to ramp up hiring efforts but facing a shortage of interested applicants as compared to the number of job openings available. In response – and with a launch timed to coincide with National Small Business Week that celebrates the contributions of small business owners around the country – Sacramento’s Central City PBIDs (property business improvement districts) are collaborating to connect local job openings with interested candidates while also reducing access barriers along the way. Beginning on Wednesday, May 5 and continuing through June 16, 2021, an outreach campaign will be underway to promote businesses that are hiring, offering on-the-spot, drop-in interviews, and/or accepting job applications.

PBID organizations working together with support of Councilmember Katie Valenzuela on this new initiative include the Downtown Sacramento Partnership (which includes the Old Sacramento Waterfront), the Midtown Association (which includes the Alhambra corridor), R Street Partnership and Greater Broadway Partnership. Other participating organizations of the initiative include Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT), Sacramento County Office of Education, Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA), California Restaurant Foundation, Asian Resources Inc., Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Visit Sacramento, La Familia Counseling Center and Greater Sacramento Urban League.

“A strong economic recovery means supporting workers as they seek to find new opportunities after the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councilmember Katie Valenzuela. “This innovative partnership between dedicated Central City business districts, SacRT, and Sacramento’s outstanding business community is the type of collaboration we need to build a just recovery. When our community comes together, great things happen.”

The new hiring initiative is designed to help to match local businesses that are now hiring with those that may be searching for employment in neighborhoods throughout the city. SacRT is joining the city-wide initiative to provide free rides on Wednesdays to help reduce transportation barriers and make it easier to access the Central City.

“In downtown and throughout the Central City, we’re hearing the message loud and clear that local business owners have jobs available to fill right away,” said Michael Ault, Executive Director of Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “This collaborative hiring effort will help the business community respond to increasing demand in shops, restaurants and establishments so they can welcome customers back to enjoy unique experiences, full operations, and a high level of service. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to be a catalyst to foster renewed vibrancy throughout the Central City.”

To match job seekers with open positions, a user-friendly webpage with information on interview drop ins, online applications and direct links for local businesses that are hiring is available at GoDowntownSac.com/now-hiring. The list will be refreshed each week.

SOCIAL MEDIA TAGS: #DowntownSac, #OldSacramentoWaterfront, #ExploreMidtown, #SutterDistrict, #RStreet, #GreaterBroadwayDistrict, #YouthRideFree, #SacRT

Contact: Emilie Cameron / 916-287-9960

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