Council introduces expedited Bill 10-25 to extend hiring preference to displaced federal workers

The Montgomery County Council introduced expedited Bill 10-25 on hiring displaced federal workers, a measure that would extend county hiring preference to federal employees displaced since Jan. 20, 2025, and guarantee interviews for qualified applicants.

Council Vice President Chiwando (Vice President Giwondo in audio) introduced the bill and identified co-sponsors that include Councilmembers Fritzen, Mink, Sales, Balcom and the council president. The bill’s stated effect is to modify county personnel and human-resources policy to give earlier consideration — and an interview if minimum qualifications are met — to displaced federal workers in the county’s hiring process.

Chiwando said more than 1,000 Montgomery County residents who work for the federal government had already been affected by recent layoffs and that the county should act to retain this talent. “These public servants are educated, experienced, dedicated, and actually are more diverse than the overall workforce, and they bring valuable skills that our county needs,” Chiwando said. The council noted a recent call from the governor for local governments to help find placements for displaced federal employees and said the measure is part of a broader set of local responses, including events hosted by WorkSource Montgomery and additional webinars.

Council staff said a public hearing on Bill 10-25 is scheduled for April 1, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. The bill was introduced at this legislative session; the council did not take final action during the meeting.

The introduction places the issue on the council calendar for committee review and public testimony. Sponsors said the bill aims to protect the county’s workforce, preserve institutional knowledge, and support displaced public servants who live in or near Montgomery County.