Purpose and context

The Fleet Operations program procures, maintains and decommissions the city’s fleet of 1,800 vehicles to meet the business needs of city departments efficiently and cost effectively. The program also plays a critical support role in Public Works field operations, including equipment and personnel logistics and dispatching.

Services provided

Fleet Management develops fleet replacement programs for all vehicles and equipment to meet the needs of using departments. Fleet Management also monitors and reports on fleet utilization, registers and licenses all City vehicles, and re-markets units through several outlets to maximize return. Fleet Services includes set-up, preventive maintenance, repair, and decommissioning of all vehicles and equipment as well as managing fueling sites at City-owned facilities and environmental compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and policies. Field support includes logistics services for the department including dispatching, supplemental staffing, equipment movement, and rental equipment services.

Race equity impacts

Training: Racial Equity Training is administered in a traditional format: time-certain events 8-5, M-F in downtown Minneapolis. This system, which Human Resources and many trainers prefer, does not meet the needs of field staff schedules. Field staff are less likely to be trained on Racial Equity topics like unconscious bias. Additionally, there is little room built into field staff schedules and budgets for training. This is due in part to the flexibility needed for seasonal work that can be affected by weather.

Procurement: Staff are often limited to using state contracts or low bids when procuring parts and supplies. This system saves the city time and money, and at the same time restricts staff’s ability to seek out new vendors who may be BIPOC. There are experienced companies in niche areas that have secured government contracts and have an established supply chain to meet the city’s needs that may prohibit vendor diversity.

Hiring & Retention: Existing pipelines for recruitment and hiring lead to a predominantly white, male workforce. Public Works collaborates with HR and has devoted resources to recruit a more diverse staff. While we have made inroads, there is much work to be done especially for younger people who have not yet chosen a career path. Also, new hires are most vulnerable to layoffs during times of financial hardship such as the pandemic. Union negotiated contracts drive this layoff process and is out of staff control.

Continue and Expand partnerships with SMEs: Maintain and grow partnerships with internal (NCR, TPP) and external (Urban Scholars, Step-Up internships) stakeholders who have more expertise in Racial Equity.

Green Fleets Policy: Fleet has a long-term plan to reduce carbon emissions by purchasing smaller, more fuel efficient and electric vehicles whenever possible. They will also invest in green infrastructure by installing electric vehicle charging stations. This will reduce the city’s contribution to air pollution across the city, an issue that disproportionately affects low-income BIPOC communities.

Mechanic Trainee Program: With the goal to have our workforce reflect the population, the Fleet division is ready to pilot a mechanic trainee program. The program would provide educational support and on-the-job experience while enrolled in classes.

Fleet staff have participated in outreach events to recruit for the mechanic trainee program. Fleet staff have worked closely with the Roosevelt High School Automotive Program to bring high-schoolers in to tour the Currie Facility and expose them to the world of fleet administration. Staff also attend career fairs and tabling events to recruit new employees.

Staff have participated in and want to continue to dedicate time for special events that showcase their work. Prior to COVID-19 restrictions Doors Open Minneapolis at the Currie facility was going to be open to the public. Staff also participated in an Open House for the I35W Project by bringing a dump truck on-site to showcase City Fleet vehicles to the community. These events are important to make Public Works visible to communities that can help with staff recruitment.