Special Statement from the Fairfax City Council
Published on October 08, 2025
2025 has been a very difficult year for Fairfax City residents who work for the federal government. Many careers have ended prematurely as thousands of positions have been terminated and entire departments have shuttered. Companies and organizations reliant on federal contracts and grant funding have lost their lifelines, forcing even more layoffs.
The current shutdown of the federal government adds even more uncertainty and stress for families with federal government connections, as many more positions are in jeopardy with the threat of further government contraction. The sudden inability to pay mortgages, rents, college tuition, and other bills, including groceries, can be traumatic.
Washington, D.C. has been described as a company town, but federal employees move to this area for more than just a paycheck. They are passionate and committed, and losing a career in government service can feel like a loss of identity and purpose. As a community, we must weather these drastic changes together. This may mean sharing networking opportunities, watching a neighbor’s children while a parent is interviewing, or simply saying something kind and offering a shoulder to lean on.
Our residents who work for the federal government contribute to the quality of life we all enjoy in Fairfax City. According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, there are 1,129 federal government workers living in Fairfax City, accounting for 11.5% of the total number of full-time civilian employees living in the city. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023)
The loss of federal jobs impacts the entire community. Unemployment, or the possibility of unemployment, forces people to be frugal with limited resources. This means spending less at local stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and spending less on services such as automotive maintenance, dry cleaning, and beauty and leisure services. The federal government shutdown and the permanent loss of federal jobs affects us all.
In recent years we have endured the Great Recession and a global pandemic, and we will persevere now as so many livelihoods are at risk. We encourage you to visit Fairfax County’s Federal Workforce Resource Hub to explore resources ranging from employment opportunities to mental health services and pet care. The website includes a link to Talent Capital, a new digital resource for finding jobs and opportunities throughout the region.
Residents and employees of Fairfax City businesses can take advantage of Upskill Fairfax City tuition assistance. This program from Fairfax City Economic Development and Northern Virginia Community College covers the tuition for select, high-demand FastForward programs for eligible participants.
Fairfax County Public Schools published information about free and reduced-price meals, free, virtual mental health sessions, discounted fares for Fairfax Connector bus trips, and other resources.
Additionally, Fairfax City residents who are older adults, have a disability, or are disabled veterans (including surviving spouses) may be eligible for tax relief and assistance. Applications are available on the city website.
The Fairfax City Council is acutely aware of the challenges our residents are facing, and we are committed to supporting you through this tumultuous time.
Signed,
Mayor Catherine Read
Councilmember Anthony Amos
Councilmember Billy Bates
Councilmember Stacy Hall
Councilmember Stacey Hardy-Chandler
Councilmember Rachel McQuillen
Councilmember Thomas Peterson