As the mayor’s race enters its final stretch, and plans for city government grow bolder, my thoughts turn to the people who will have to carry them out.

According to the latest report by the New York City comptroller, the city has lost nearly 18,000 municipal employees as of August 31, 2025. That is roughly 6% of the workforce, five times the pre-pandemic vacancy rate. Nationwide, a 2023 Eagle Hill Consulting survey found that 65% of government workers report burnout, and nearly half are considering leaving their jobs.

That is not just an HR problem; it is a crisis for basic services. Government at its best feels invisible. When operations falter, the results are on constant display.

The people keeping the city afloat often operate without the training or support this environment demand

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