Mobilize Montgomery Opens Career Center to Help Laid-off Federal Workers and Contractors

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 9, 2025

The First-of-its-Kind Center in the Nation Will Provide Personalized Support and Services to Displaced Federal Workers

The Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center (FWCC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its official opening. Funded by the Montgomery County Government, the FWCC is the first-of-its-kind physical location in the United States dedicated to supporting displaced federal workers through personalized services and programs.

"The Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center is the first facility of its kind in the nation, and it was made possible because we had the foresight to include an additional $700,000 in the FY26 budget for WorkSource Montgomery to expand its operations and prepare for the job losses we feared were coming," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "We are grateful for the partnership of Governor Wes Moore and the State of Maryland, and for the tireless efforts of our Congressional delegation to protect and preserve the critical work done by federal employees. While I'm pleased that Montgomery County can offer this center to help people transition into new opportunities, it is unfortunate that these workers have been forced into this position by the decisions of the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans. These are hardworking people who have dedicated their lives to public service, and they deserve better."

Foresight was key in getting this center open now, just days into the federal shutdown.

"When we saw things starting to get uncertain in January, we listened to the federal workers and contractors," said Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart. "We knew Montgomery County needed to address this unique workforce crisis. The creation of Mobilize Montgomery, in partnership with WorkSource Montgomery, means we have created an actual place that those federal workers can come to for assistance. Montgomery County supports neighbors in their time of need. It is who we are, and seeing this center open is a testament to how we look out for our residents."

Located within the Wheaton American Job Center at 11510 Georgia Avenue in Wheaton, MD, this space will welcome displaced federal workers, contractors, and others navigating career transitions due to the ongoing federal workforce reductions. Montgomery County residents will be able to benefit from federal resume and job placement assistance, career and entrepreneurial coaching, and professional development programs. Additionally, job seekers will be able to utilize the full scope of WorkSource Montgomery's American Job Center's services, including free virtual and in-person workshops, financial counseling services through the Financial Empowerment Center, and on-site access to Maryland Department of Labor staff who can assist with unemployment insurance (UI) questions. Services offered at the FWCC are for Montgomery County residents; however, some events, such as job fairs, may be open to the broader public. For residents of other counties and states, the FWCC team will be ready to provide them with information for their local job centers in Prince George's County, Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and other jurisdictions.

"The launch of the FWCC symbolizes Montgomery County's ongoing commitment to supporting federal workers and contractors in our region through this difficult time," said Michael Covin, Director of the FWCC. "We stand ready to help them through in-person and personalized services and ensure that they don't need to navigate these challenging times alone."

The FWCC will be open Monday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Job seekers interested in utilizing the FWCC's services should follow the three-step process listed on the Mobilize Montgomery website at https://mobilize-montgomery.com/fwcc/. While walk-ins are accepted, the FWCC recommends making an appointment. Jobseekers who need help or have questions should email [email protected] or call 240-283-1509.

"The opening of the Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center reflects Montgomery County's forward-thinking approach to supporting both our workforce and our business community," said Angela Franco, President and CEO, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC). "Federal workers and contractors play a crucial role in our local economy, and by helping them transition, retrain, and reengage in new opportunities, we are strengthening the overall economic resilience of our region MCCC and all the local chambers are proud to partner in this effort to ensure that Montgomery County remains a hub for talent, innovation, and inclusive growth."

"Montgomery County businesses and federal contractors have felt the harsh effects of the federal budget cuts, and now the government shutdown, over the past few months," said Elana Fine, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Board Chair. "The launch of the FWCC is a crucial step in ensuring that residents and businesses in Montgomery County know that the local government and key stakeholders are standing with them during this challenging time, and are working to make sure that our business ecosystem remains resilient."

Mobilize Montgomery is a collaboration that brings together state and local governments and private sector partners in Montgomery County, Maryland, including: The Montgomery County Government, the Maryland Department of Labor, WorkSource Montgomery, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Rockville Economic Development Incorporated, City of Rockville, City of Gaithersburg, the City of Gaithersburg's Office of Economic Development, the Maryland Women's Business Center, Montgomery County African American Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and local chambers of commerce for Rockville, Olney, Greater Silver Spring, Greater Bethesda, and Gaithersburg-Germantown. Launched in March 2025, Mobilize Montgomery was created to provide streamlined support, connecting employers and employees to financial assistance, workforce programs, and business continuity resources.

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