Services, Programs Available To Federal Workers Facing Unemployment

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — With tens of thousands of federal employees living in Howard County, officials stress that they will continue to support those residents facing layoffs.

In March, Howard County estimated the number of residents employed at the federal government level at 50,000. On Sept. 30, CBS News pegged that number at 20,000.

Since furloughs were unveiled earlier this year impacting federal employees, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and other county leaders have hosted forums, town halls and job fairs. Even childcare options were boosted to help federal workers who were laid off or resigned.

Robert Rehrmann, director of the Bureau of Revenue Estimates, which falls under the state Office of the Comptroller, said 15,100 of the state's federal workers have been laid off. Also, at the rate it's happening, another 10,000 workers could be laid off, according to CBS News. Other factors, like the deferred resignation program, could push that number higher.

"The [Office of Personnel Management] director recently said that federal employment is going to be 300,000 jobs lower at the end of the year than it was in the beginning," Rehrmann said. "That compares to roughly 100,000 losses so far nationally."

Related: Federal Government Shuts Down: What To Know In MD

In March 2025, Ball announced the creation of an Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity Now task force, which is made up of private sector experts, educational and workforce professionals, practitioners and leaders across major industries, and members of Ball’s Cabinet tasked with recommending solutions for Howard County’s most pressing economic challenges.

"...we know the impacts of federal government layoffs and a ... government shutdown could subsequently have dire consequences on our county’s economy now and in the long-term. By working together, we are ensuring we are prepared to navigate any unchartered waters so that our local economy continues to thrive no matter what happens in our nation’s capital. Through resilience, innovation and compassion, we will continue to prosper and thrive for our generations to come," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball stated in March.

Efforts Howard County leaders have rolled out since the first round of furloughs that remain available include:

• Established its hocohelp@howardcountymd.gov email address, to assist federal employees with finding answers to questions and accessing available assistance.
• The County’s Office of Workforce Development (OWD) expanded its services to directly help federal workers tailor their resumes and give job searching advice. OWD helped nearly a thousand impacted federal workers and contractors in a month's time this past spring.
• The county’s Department of Recreation & Parks expanded its elementary school before and after childcare at 23 Howard County Public School System public school sites.
• The Office of Children and Families CARE Center CARE line is a free information and referral service for people who have questions regarding children in Howard County, including childcare services. CARE Center staff work with families to identify their needs and find solutions. For assistance, call 410-313-CARE (410-313-2273) or email children@howardcountymd.gov.
• The county’s Department of Housing and Community Development offers foreclosure prevention assistance to households facing unexpected financial crises and are behind on their mortgage payment. Federal employees who have recently lost employment may be eligible for this program.
• Individuals with disabilities are eligible for individualized support at the Columbia Workforce Development Center, which includes OWD, the Maryland Department of Labor, and the Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Pursuant to Howard County Code, persons with disabilities who possess required qualifications for openings will have a preferred placement on our eligibility list. To learn more about the Columbia Workforce Development Center, email owd@howardcountymd.gov.
• The Community Action Council of Howard County, Inc. expanded its Howard County Food Bank offerings to provide pre-bagged shelf staples to terminated or furloughed federal employees living in Howard County who need food assistance during this time for three months from the date of first visit; supplies are limited. Proof of residency and photo federal identification will be required.
• Individuals and/or families struggling with the weight of uncertainty, fear and confusion are encouraged to call 988 to talk to someone. Mental health is vital more than ever during these difficult times.
• State and federal assistance programs: impacted federal workers should review their eligibility to participate in state and federal assistance programs, including:
  • Unemployment Insurance through the Maryland Department of Labors’ Division of Unemployment Insurance
  1. Maryland Health Connection's Special Enrollment for Healthcare
  • Maryland Department of Human Services’ Temporary Cash Assistance
• While the county cannot provide legal advice, federal employees seeking legal advice can reach out to Maryland Legal Aid at 1-888-465-2468 or online at www.mdlab.org.