As federal job losses mount, Bowser pitches solutions to stabilize DC’s economy
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser hosts townhall on Federal job losses
DC Mayor Bowser hosts a tele-townhall for a situational update on Federal job losses across the National Capital Region.
WASHINGTON - As federal job losses ripple through the D.C. area, Mayor Muriel Bowser led a situational update tele-townhall on Wednesday to address the economic impact and offer support to affected workers.
Federal employees had the opportunity to ask questions directly to city officials, including City Administrator Kevin Donahue, Deputy Chief of Staff Steven Walker, Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn, and Department of Employment Services Director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes, at the town hall.
She offered several ways to change the trajectory of the current landscape, including urging the Trump administration and Congress to pause the layoffs and extend the buyout period that was offered to some workers.
"Now, more than ever, we need to be strategically focused on investing in the growth of our local economy to bring more good-paying jobs, companies, and economic activity to D.C.," a statement in the mayor's situational update reads.
D.C. residents who lost their federal jobs and health care coverage can also enroll in a D.C. Health Link health insurance plan.
DC Health Link offers 27 private health insurance plans from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Kaiser Permanente. Some are as low as $13/month.
The new Public Service Career Hub will connect experienced public servants with opportunities in the D.C. Government.
On March 14, the District will host a job fair that will feature positions from D.C. government agencies as well as private employers from across the city. It will be held at the Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University.
The event comes as D.C. officials revise the city's revenue estimates, projecting a $1.01 billion shortfall over the next four years due to declining federal employment.
The revised forecast follows the District’s 28th consecutive clean annual audit, affirming its strong financial standing with an Aaa bond rating, fully funded pensions, and 52 days of cash reserves.
Check out the full situational update below:
The Source: Executive Office of the Mayor