On Friday, the city sent out a press release responding to potential federal worker layoffs that could impact the community.

“Federal employees, including those working for the Internal Revenue Service, represent a large constituent of the workforce in our community and play a crucial role in both our local economy and daily lives,” the release said. “As we continue to hear varying information regarding potential layoffs, Ogden City along with vital community resource providers are closely monitoring developments and remains committed to scaling our response as needed.”

Ogden City Communications Director Mike McBride told the Standard-Examiner on Friday that Ogden is home to roughly 7,000 federal workers and that this number fluctuates seasonally. He said he is aware of about 100 layoffs that have occurred so far in Ogden.

The press release goes on to say that the city is exploring options with local and state partners to help anyone who has been laid off.

“To proactively support affected individuals, we have collaborated with organizations such as Ogden-Weber Technical College and the Department of Workforce Services to develop strategies that will help people regain employment stability,” the release said. “For those considering a career shift or skill enhancement, we are also working to provide resources for education and workforce training.

“As part of these efforts, we encourage individuals to participate in the statewide virtual job fair hosted by the Department of Workforce Services on March 6th. The virtual job fair is from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and can be accessed by visiting jobs.utah.gov. Additionally, should the scale of layoffs require further action, there will be additional in-person hiring events, connecting impacted workers directly with employers seeking talent. Our Community and Economic Development team is actively engaging businesses with open positions to ensure that opportunities are available to those seeking employment.”

This release comes just days after a demonstration was held by the National Treasury Employees Union Local Chapter 67 at the James V. Hansen Federal Building in Ogden on Wednesday. The “Save Our Services Rally” drew a large crowd of federal workers, families and other concerned citizens to protest the actions of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, colloquially called DOGE, which has been spearheaded by South Africa-born billionaire Elon Musk and tasked with seeking out what it identifies as “wasteful” spending and directing job cuts throughout the government.

On Wednesday, President of NTEU Local Chapter 67 Robert Lawrence told local media that around 1,000 local IRS employees that are on probationary status — having been with the agency for a year or less — are due to be let go between this week and May 15.

“All of the probationary employees who came on within a year are due to be let go at some point,” he said. “We want the community to know and to understand that these people are critical to the mission of the IRS, to getting our tax returns out, getting our refunds out, processing tax returns.”

He said the NTEU’s national office has filed a lawsuit fighting the executive order on probationary employees.

McBride said there are many unknowns going forward, but that the city does have a growing number of employment opportunities.

“We certainly understand that this will have a direct impact on those who were laid off and their families,” he said. “Our desire is to get them connected to opportunities as quickly as possible. We cannot anticipate the overall impact with so many unknown factors but are optimistic that individuals who desire to seek employment in our area will find an economy that is eager to place qualified workers in their organizations. Ogden has a diverse economy and has experienced nation-leading growth in many nonfederal segments in the past year.”

In the press release, Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski said the city stands by its federal workers and those impacted by layoffs.

“The people impacted by layoffs and potential future layoffs are more than just employees — they are our friends, neighbors, and classmates,” he said. “Ogden is a community that comes together in times of challenge, and we are committed to creating connections to opportunities and services that can help those affected find stability and new possibilities.”