Legislative Council director: hiring underway to add policy analysts and program evaluators; 15th Floor move expected in late spring

John Bjornsson, Legislative Council Director, updated legislators on progress hiring the 25 additional positions authorized to expand policy analysis and program-evaluation capacity. He said the council aims to grow from about 45 to roughly 70 full‑time positions, has hired several policy analysts and program evaluators, but continues to recruit for specific roles in policy, fiscal services and IT.

Bjornsson described onboarding complexities and recruitment challenges, noting some candidates withdrew for other opportunities and that adding staff immediately before session complicates training. He said Legislative Council will prioritize program-evaluation work on a childcare evaluation (with an August 1 deadline) and will accept study directives from legislative management to prioritize other reviews.

On facilities, Bjornsson reported the 15th Floor renovation was progressing: ceilings and carpet were scheduled and temporary walls and furniture installations are planned, with a target for occupancy in late spring.

Next steps: Council will continue recruitment, fill remaining vacancies in policy, program evaluation and IT, and coordinate prioritization of program-evaluation projects with legislative management.