CIO says ISA relies heavily on managed service providers; councilors press for in‑house cybersecurity hires

Coaten told the committee ISA budgets 52 full‑time positions and currently fills about 75% of them. She said the agency augments its staff with managed service providers (MSPs) that account for the equivalent of 76 full‑time budgeted seats and estimated MSP work represents roughly 60% of the effective full‑time staffing supporting operations.

Councilors told the CIO they are concerned about market pay for cybersecurity professionals and suggested the city consider bringing critical roles onto the payroll rather than leasing them through vendors. Coaten said retention, succession planning and multi‑year budgeting are priorities and noted the city offers benefits, hybrid/remote options and continuity as recruitment incentives.