A mass exodus of federal workers in 2025 sparked an intriguing shift in the public sector. With over 317,000 employees leaving their federal roles, many found a new calling and a more streamlined work environment in state and local governments.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Meghan Burns, a former civil rights attorney for the Department of Education, was abruptly terminated in March 2025. With public service as her only career path, she wasn't ready to give up. So, she took a leap and joined the Maryland Department of Health's Office of Equal Opportunity Program as Deputy Director.
Burns' story is just one example of how former federal workers are finding purpose and stability in state and city jobs.
After living a nomadic life in the foreign service, Marc Shaw, 51, returned to his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. With a wealth of experience under his belt, including overseeing arms control and serving as a director in Afghanistan, Shaw found a new home in the city government.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas recognized the value of Shaw's skills and those of other former federal workers. He saw an opportunity to bring exceptional expertise and a unique understanding of bureaucracy to the city.
And this is the part most people miss...
The need for experienced public servants extends beyond Washington, D.C. Local governments often face critical job vacancies, especially in human resources, finance, and operations. Work for America, a platform that helps people find public-sector jobs, stepped up to fill this gap.
Caitlin Lewis, co-founder of Work for America, said, "It's been a huge opportunity for communities to access tenured, high-quality talent."
But how many former federal workers have made this transition? While the exact number is unclear, over 250 state and local governments use Civic Match, a program by Work for America, and 187 people have landed roles in state or local government since January 2025.
Austin Holland, 39, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, felt a calling to work for the federal government. He started in the Department of Housing and Urban Development during Trump's first term but resigned when the administration's work-from-home policy changed. Holland eventually found his place as assistant counsel for the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency, where he could see the direct impact of his work.
So, is this a win-win situation? Former federal workers find new purpose and less red tape, while state and city governments gain experienced talent. But what do you think? Should more federal workers consider this path? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
