Federal Exodus Fuels Local Government Boom

• Federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration led to mass resignations and layoffs.
• A nonprofit, Work for America, emerged to connect former federal workers with local government jobs.
• The Civic Match platform helps match job seekers with relevant opportunities at the state and local level.
• Former federal employees are finding fulfilling roles in local government, bringing valuable skills and experience.

The Great Shrinking: DOGE Takes a Bite

The air crackled with uncertainty as the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) descended, led by the one they call Elon Musk, under directives from the Trump administration. Like a cloaked hunter stalking prey, DOGE aggressively pursued the reduction of government agencies, leaving many, like Chantel Williams of the General Services Administration, in a state of confusion and anxiety. "If it bleeds, we can kill it," someone probably said – maybe. The cuts were swift and far-reaching, impacting agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Health and Human Services. The hunter always seeks the most challenging prey.

An Oath Tested: Loyalty in the Crosshairs

Williams, a loyal servant of the federal machine, felt the tremor of uncertainty. "As a federal employee, the oath is to the work and to the role, and not the administration," she stated. Yet, the seamless transitions of the past were replaced by a palpable tension. It became a daily struggle to serve when leadership priorities seemed diametrically opposed. This reminds me of hunts where the prey believes itself safe, only to find my targeting laser painting a grim picture of its future. Perhaps they should have considered investing in cloaking technology. Now, with mortgage rates on the rise, many homebuyers are facing their own set of challenges. The Mortgage Rate Surge Dampens Homebuyer Hopes is making it harder for people to afford homes, adding another layer of economic uncertainty to an already challenging landscape.

Deferred Resignation: A Golden Parachute or a Forced Ejection?

In the end, Williams opted for deferred resignation, a payout to leave her post. She joined a mass exodus, the largest reduction of the federal workforce in history. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management reported approximately 352,000 employees exiting roles in 2025, with over 123,000 taking the deferred resignation offer. OPM hailed it as "in line with President Trump's goal of a smaller, more efficient government." "Run! Go! Get to the chopper" comes to mind. These humans were being offered an escape, albeit a forced one.

Work for America: A New Hunting Ground for Talent

Amidst the chaos, Caitlin Lewis stepped in, launching Work for America in November 2024. This nonprofit aimed to help local governments recruit the displaced federal talent. Through its Civic Match platform, former federal workers found new roles at the state and local level. The hunter becomes the hunted, or in this case, the unemployed become employed. Lewis, the daughter of a forest firefighter and a youth prison counselor, understood the value of public service. Her experience in New York City government showed her how crucial the right people were in the right roles. "When you have the right people in the right roles in government, that the public sector really can move mountains, and when you don't, the basics start to fall apart," she explained.

From Federal Bureaucrat to Local Hero

Williams quickly found a home at Work for America, becoming a product and data manager. In the last year, Work for America placed nearly 200 job seekers, 150 of which were former federal workers, in roles across the country. Over 12,800 job seekers signed up for Civic Match since Trump's election, representing more than 30 federal agencies. "For many, it's been a year of chaos and confusion. But we saw for our customers – cities and state governments across the country – that there was a true opportunity to capture the incredible talent that was going to be exiting Washington," Lewis said. They are adapting, evolving, much like any worthy prey should.

Second Chance at Service: Nate's Story

Nate Haight, a USAID veteran, found himself facing cuts after a decade of service. "I particularly loved my work in the education sector. It was really meaningful being able to go out and see the impact that the programs were having around the world," Haight shared. He took the deferred resignation and found a new role in Indianapolis through Civic Match. "I think the satisfaction and fulfillment that I've been able to find already working in local government, I just want to encourage others to give it a shot as well," he said. Even in defeat, there is honor. Haight's spirit reminds me that even the most formidable prey can find new purpose. In the months to come, Civic Match plans to roll out new features, including AI-powered candidate match scores. The hunt continues, but now, with better tools.