The City of Boston is experiencing an unprecedented boom in job applications, marking a significant shift in its employment landscape as positions once deemed hard to fill now attract a record number of candidates. In the first quarter of 2025, Boston received a staggering 39,111 applications, reflecting a remarkable 60 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge is especially pronounced in budgeting, procurement, and finance roles, where the demand aligns closely with the skills of many former federal employees who were recently laid off.
City officials attribute this uptick in applications to the ongoing uncertainty within federal employment, prompting many former federal employees to reconsider their career trajectories. For numerous individuals, this rethinking entails exploring opportunities in local and state government positions, which previously may have been viewed as lesser roles in comparison to their federal counterparts.
Caitlin Lewis, executive director of Work For America, a nonprofit organization running the Civic Match job portal, highlighted how the chaotic environment in Washington creates a unique opportunity for state and local governments across Massachusetts to attract top-tier talent. “Despite the chaos and confusion playing out, [it’s] a real opportunity for the state and local governments across Massachusetts to capture some of this A-plus public sector talent,” Lewis stated.
Boston’s local government gained national visibility partly thanks to Mayor Michelle Wu’s impactful congressional testimony regarding the city’s immigration policies in March. This heightened profile has reportedly played a role in attracting interest from job seekers nationwide. “People are excited about working in a local government where they see a strong leader who is willing to stand up for what she believes in,” said Alex Lawrence, the city’s chief people officer. “I think that resonates with a lot of people.”
However, potential applicants transitioning from federal jobs to public sectors in Massachusetts may encounter challenges reminiscent of those experienced at the federal level. Boston is currently facing a budget shortfall, primarily due to reduced commercial property values following the COVID-19 pandemic, which adds uncertainty regarding long-term employment prospects in the city. Additionally, the state government has instituted a hiring freeze in response to what Governor Maura Healey’s office has labeled as “widespread economic uncertainty at the national level.”
Despite these challenges, Boston remains one of the leading cities for individuals seeking government jobs in the United States. The Civic Match platform has seen a notable trend, with approximately 20 percent of its 9,000 job seekers narrowing their focus to Massachusetts. Interestingly, only about 2 percent of these job seekers currently reside in the state, indicating the deep interest from candidates nationwide.
Furthermore, more than 80 percent of job seekers aiming for positions in New England via Civic Match are based outside the region. Boston stands out among the 200 cities partnered with Civic Match due to its high level of engagement. Lewis noted that state and local governments typically face difficulties hiring for crucial roles, and the recent influx of skilled job seekers due to federal layoffs provides a unique chance to fill these essential positions with qualified candidates who bring extensive experience from federal agencies.
Lawrence confirmed that Boston’s local government has surpassed the number of applications received against its available job vacancies, a reversal of what has been the norm. Furthermore, she has observed a shift in job seekers’ mindsets, particularly among those who have faced abrupt layoffs, leading to increased openness towards making more significant career changes to secure income.
With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, Lawrence remarked, “It is tougher and more competitive than it has been. We still have a few places that we have very specific challenges filling positions, but it’s much less significant than it was a few years ago.”
One example of this trend is Alexandra Tobolsky, who took a buyout from her role as a senior project manager at the Department of Homeland Security. Tobolsky and her husband, a federal contractor, are contemplating relocating to Massachusetts as they seek to embark on their next personal and professional journey.
As the couple explores options for becoming first-time homeowners, they’re prioritizing work opportunities for both, a supportive and diverse community, access to nature alongside urban amenities, and leadership that they can trust. These factors have led them to consider Boston as a prime location for their future.
“We’re looking for where we can build a good life for ourselves, especially not knowing what the next few years are going to hold on multiple levels, and where we can find somewhere that we can still enjoy our lives and feel confident in state and local government looking out for our best interests,” Tobolsky expressed.
Though the high cost of living in Boston is often cited as a deterrent for potential residents, it’s notable that Washington, D.C., ranks among the few cities with comparable expenses. According to the personal finance website NerdWallet, an individual earning $100,000 in the capital region would need to make approximately $102,000 to maintain a similar standard of living in Boston.
Changes in the work culture within federal agencies, particularly during the Trump administration, have also influenced the job searches of many. Tobolsky described the daily unpredictability tied to her previous federal job, where policies and work conditions shifted rapidly.
“All of it just felt very hard to process while continuing to do good work,” she recalled.
As state-level hiring remains frozen, the Healey administration is adapting its strategies for attracting talent. In March, the state launched a dedicated website to promote job opportunities in Massachusetts for federal workers, showcasing more than 160,000 job postings in both the private sector and local government. Additionally, officials began hosting weekly virtual information sessions in April aimed at connecting laid-off federal workers with unemployment and hiring resources.
A representative from the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development stated, “We encourage people from across the country and the world, including those who have been laid off by President Trump, to explore the incredible employment opportunities offered by our businesses and to consider moving to and building your future here in Massachusetts.”
Another example of someone navigating the transition away from federal work is Maura Miller, who previously held a decade-long role with the United States Agency for International Development based in Alexandria, Va. Now seeking new employment, Miller is focused on finding a position that allows her to leave behind the uncertainty associated with federal work.
“If we’re able to move, it would be to Massachusetts,” Miller indicated, emphasizing her desire to contribute to the ongoing efforts in housing and education in the state.
“I don’t want to move somewhere that’s then going to have to make cuts that I would be impacted by again immediately,” she explained. “But my passion for public service has not changed.”
image source from：bostonglobe
