The Armenians number at the Glendale city hall has skyrocketed approximately 83% to 362 since 2002, it has emerged.
Armenians made up about 8% of the highest-ranking positions held in 2011, Glendale News-Press reported, citing a biennial report on city employee demographics.

Armenians are counted separately from whites, even though Armenians are considered Caucasian because “the Armenian demographic is such a significant part of the fabric of this community,” Human Resource Director, Matt Doyle, was quoted as saying.

While Glendale employees are more racially diverse, the workforce is less equal when it comes to gender. About 70% of the workforce was male in 2011, a slight uptick from 68% in 2002.

The city report attributes the gender imbalance to application rates,” says the publication.

“The higher percentage of males to females in the workforce is attributed to a large number of positions that women have historically not applied for,” such as fire, public works and police departments, according to the report.

More women tend to work, and hold higher positions, in the city attorney and city clerk offices, as well as the Human Resources Department.

Even with less hiring planned for the future, Doyle said the organization may experience demographic shifts as people leave the city.

About 85 employees are expected to retire and 12 to 16 may be laid off due to a budget shortfall. The city plans to limit back-filling positions vacated by retirees, but maintaining diversity will continue to be a priority.

“I think without a doubt you’ll see an increasingly diverse workforce that is more reflective of the community we serve,” Doyle said.