Opinion: Federal layoffs are a wake-up call for local communities

Northern Virginia has long been a critical hub for federal employment and contracting, with a significant portion of its workforce directly tied to federal agencies and military operations. The recent federal layoffs are sending shockwaves throughout the region, highlighting the far-reaching impact on local communities, businesses, families, and national security broadly. 

The numbers tell the story: Over 80,000 residents of Fairfax County are employed by the federal government, while an additional 28,000 individuals work for federal agencies located within the region but may not necessarily reside in Fairfax County. At Ft. Belvoir alone, over 45,000 employees, including military personnel, civilian Department of Defense workers, and contractors make up a substantial part of the local workforce. 

This federal presence is also reflected in the region’s role in federal contracting; more than $41 billion in contract awards are distributed across to key federal agencies located in the county, such as the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security.

We are deeply concerned about the impact these federal layoffs are having on our  community. Our neighborhoods rely on the hardworking federal employees who live here. These layoffs aren’t just affecting federal agencies, they are having a profound and personal impact on our neighbors. The loss of income is being felt by local businesses and families alike. We must do everything we can to support these workers and their families while ensuring the strength of our local economy – including fighting these illegal purges of the civil service and supporting those who lose their jobs. 

In addition to the human impact, the federal government’s footprint in NOVA includes over six million square feet of leased space and multiple headquarters for agencies like the National Reconnaissance Office and the Transportation Security Administration. With contracts and office leases being reduced, 725 GSA leases canceled and over nine million square feet of office space being slashed, there will be long-term effects on real estate and the surrounding service sectors. 

More than 80 contractors in the region have already seen cancellations, accounting for over 2% of the local contracting base, which will ripple through the supply chain and leave more workers without a steady income. Many of these lease and contract cancellations are likely illegal, and some are already being challenged in federal courts. 

These layoffs and cuts are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They are real people who are trying to figure out what’s next for their careers and families. We must fight this  administration with every tool at our disposal, including at the state and federal  government and in the courts, and ensure that displaced workers have access to retraining programs and that our region remains a strong economic engine, even in the face of these challenges. The future of Northern Virginia depends on it. 

The economic consequences of these layoffs also extend to federal grants. These cuts threaten not only the workers who rely on government contracts but also the nonprofit and public services that benefit from these federal awards. From healthcare to education, many services are supported by federal funds, and without them, the region faces increased difficulty in maintaining these critical programs. 

Without engaging in overt partisan politics, we remind everyone that we have elections in Virginia this year. There is a clear and growing contrast between the approaches the two parties are taking towards the wholesale destruction of federal agencies, the mass firings of workers, and the serious consequences these actions will have on essential services Virginians depend on. Our commonwealth faces major challenges right now, but all of us have a say about what happens next. 

In response to these challenges, both local and federal leaders are working to secure additional support for affected workers, businesses, and communities. As we face this crisis, it’s clear that a coordinated effort is needed to fight these federal workforce reductions, mitigate the damage they cause, and keep our communities strong. 

Now, more than ever, NOVA must come together to support its federal workforce and ensure that our local economy stays vibrant and prosperous. Our offices have been  contacted by numerous individuals and families impacted by these layoffs and proposed reductions in force. Federal workers worried about how they will make ends meet, small business owners concerned about decreased revenue, and parents unsure how to provide for their children. 

We hear stories of uncertainty and resilience, and it is clear that the challenges ahead require a collective effort. We are committed to being there for those affected and working to provide the support and resources needed to navigate this difficult time.