The Politics Hour: A year later, how has drastic federal workforce cuts changed the region?

from The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi · host WAMU 88.5

A new report from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments revealed that the D.C. area federal workforce is its lowest level in nearly 40 years. The Trump administration's 2025 cuts led to the loss of more than 60,000 federal jobs. Clark Mercer, who leads the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, joins the show to discuss what drastic job losses over the last year means for the region's economy, annual budgets, and social services.The D-C Council plans to vote yet again next week on an emergency measure to extend an enhanced youth curfew. But some councilmembers think there are better ways to stop so-called “teen takeovers.” Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker joins the show to give us his take on curfews and why he thinks there are other, better ways to deal with large gatherings of teens. Plus, we discuss the latest drama in the D.C. mayor's race and who he is endorsing in the city's biggest races.Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

What this episode covers

A new report from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments revealed that the D.C. area federal workforce is its lowest level in nearly 40 years. The Trump administration's 2025 cuts led to the loss of more than 60,000 federal jobs. Clark Mercer, who leads the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, joins the show to discuss what drastic job losses over the last year means for the region's economy, annual budgets, and social services. The D-C Council plans to vote yet again next week on an emergency measure to extend an enhanced youth curfew. But some councilmembers think there are better ways to stop so-called “teen takeovers.” Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker joins the show to give us his take on curfews and why he thinks there are other, better ways to deal with large gatherings of teens. Plus, we discuss the latest drama in the D.C. mayor's race and who he is endorsing in the city's biggest races. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org