In response to potential federal workforce reductions affecting San Antonio, Councilmembers Manny Pelaez and Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia have proposed a program called Re-employment Assistance for Federal Talent. This program aims to support federal employees and City of San Antonio workers funded by federal dollars who are facing job displacement.
A recent press release reports that about 2.9 percent of San Antonio's labor force, including federal workers, could face job losses, affecting employment, consumer activity, and business operations in the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA. According to Workforce Solutions Alamo and Federal Reserve Economic Data, the region has nearly 1.2 million civilian workers. The Re-employment Assistance for Federal Talent program suggests that the City of San Antonio hire qualified laid-off federal and COSA employees for new positions, streamline the application process, and offer job training, placement services, and job fairs in sectors such as healthcare and technology.
The program partners with local nonprofits to assist laid-off federal workers with job searches, workers' compensation claims, rental assistance, and other stabilization services. "The federal government may be laying off workers, but San Antonio is hiring," said Councilmember Pelaez. "Federal employees bring valuable experience and skillsets that can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our city." Dr. Rocha Garcia stated, "So acting fast to mitigate the consequences should continue to be prioritized," as stated by the City of San Antonio.
The two councilmembers urge the Governance Committee to quickly approve the Re-employment Assistance for Federal Talent program to support community well-being and stability. “San Antonio has always stood by its residents in times of need, and through this initiative, we can once again reaffirm our commitment to the well-being and stability of our community,” Pelaez stated, according to the City of San Antonio.
