Federal Workers Find County Support
As the federal government continues to reduce its workforce, Howard County, Maryland, and Fairfax County, Virginia, have stepped up to provide crucial support for affected federal employees. Both counties have launched websites to assist workers navigating this challenging period.
Howard County recently expanded its list of resources and services for federal employees impacted by the Trump administration's proposed changes. The county's website offers a range of assistance, including:
Expedited application processes for Howard County government positions.
Extended hours for career counseling and resume services.
A Federal Workers Career Fair scheduled for February 25, 2025, at Howard Community College.
Foreclosure prevention assistance.
Expanded childcare options through the Department of Recreation and Parks.
Food assistance programs.
Tutorials on leveraging LinkedIn and other social media platforms for job searches.
At the state level, Maryland has launched a new website to share resources for federal employees affected by the layoffs. These local and state initiatives come in response to recent federal actions, including mass layoffs of probationary employees and a controversial "deferred resignation" program. With an estimated 160,000 federal civilian jobs in Maryland alone, these resources are crucial for maintaining economic stability in the region (Source: WJZ News).
Fairfax County has also created a website of resources for former federal employees and contractors. They are estimating that thousands of families will be affected by the federal government’s downsizing. Assistance includes links to:
Employed with Fairfax County.
Guidance on launching a business.
Retirement
Opportunities to be active through activities in parks and libraries. Kudos to Fairfax County for realizing the importance of staying active through difficult times.
Financial assistance for food, human services, child care, pets, and taxes.
Federal workers throughout the Nation are encouraged to visit their county website for the most up-to-date information on available resources and support programs. Howard and Fairfax counties are examples of what is possible by county governments.