A woman reaches across a desk to shake the hand of the man sitting behind it. A resume is on the desk between them. Another woman, facing away from the camera, is in the foreground behind the desk.

As local governments scramble to fill critical roles left by a wave of retirements, many are eyeing the influx of laid-off federal workers as a solution. For municipal clerks, who are often at the center of hiring and onboarding, understanding the advantages and drawbacks of bringing former federal employees onto your team is key.

Pros

  • Deep Government Experience: Federal workers often bring years of experience in public administration, compliance, records management, and navigating complex regulations-skills that translate well to municipal clerk duties.

  • Mission-Driven Mindset: Many federal employees are motivated by public service and a sense of purpose, which aligns with the values of local government work5.

  • Advanced Skills and Training: Former federal staff may have specialized training in IT, data security, and policy implementation-areas where municipalities increasingly need expertise45.

  • Ready to Hit the Ground Running: Because they’re familiar with government processes, these workers often require less time to get up to speed on the basics of public sector operations57.

  • Talent Pool for Hard-to-Fill Roles: States like Hawaii and New York have seen a “tremendous response” to targeted recruitment, filling high-priority positions that are otherwise tough to staff.

Cons

  • Salary and Benefits Gap: Federal jobs typically offer higher salaries and more robust benefits than most municipal positions. Many candidates may expect compensation local governments can’t match, leading to tough negotiations or turnover risk.

  • Adjustment to Local Government Culture: Some federal employees may be used to more rigid structures and slower processes, which can make adapting to the often more flexible and varied pace of local government a challenge.

  • Translating Skills and Roles: Not all federal job titles or responsibilities have a direct equivalent at the municipal level. It may take time and effort to map their skills to your needs and help them adjust to new expectations.

  • Potential for Short Tenure: If laid-off federal workers view municipal jobs as a temporary stopgap until something better comes along, you could face higher turnover.

  • Competition from Private Sector: Private companies are also recruiting laid-off federal employees, sometimes offering higher pay or more attractive benefits, which can make retention difficult.

Bottom Line

Hiring laid-off federal workers can bring a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspective to your municipal team, especially as retirements accelerate. But it’s important to be realistic about salary expectations, cultural fit, and the support new hires may need to thrive in a local government setting. With thoughtful onboarding and clear communication, municipal clerks can help turn this workforce shift into an opportunity for renewal and growth