By Alia Pharr, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FULTON COUNTY — Fulton County is guaranteeing job interviews for qualified federal government employees who live in the county and have recently lost their jobs under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts during a press conference at the Fulton County Government Center. Pitts said the initiative is a response to widespread federal workforce reductions tied to actions by the Trump administration and adviser Elon Musk.

Pitts said the federal job cuts are becoming a growing concern for the local economy, as an estimated 2,000 federal workers have already been laid off or resigned, affecting residents across the metro area.

Recent nationwide plans have included layoffs at multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reports have cited workforce reductions numbering in the tens of thousands nationally.

Both the IRS and the VA maintain offices in Fulton County and neighboring DeKalb County.

“They’re professionals who are very qualified residents,” Pitts said. “They’re people of great experience, and they are our people here in the county.”

Pitts said Fulton County currently has hundreds of vacant positions available, including full-time and part-time roles. Openings include engineers, court officers, corrections officers, attorneys, and technology positions. The county has approximately 800 job vacancies overall.

Last month, Fulton County leaders resolved to expedite hiring for affected federal employees and encouraged both public and private sector employers to accelerate recruitment efforts. Pitts also urged the Atlanta City Council and other local governments to take similar action.

While workers terminated for security-related reasons may not qualify, Pitts said many qualified federal employees will be guaranteed an interview if they apply for county positions.

Pitts said the Fulton County Commission plans to introduce a formal resolution within two weeks to establish the program.

“These are people who we need now,” Pitts said. “We have needs here that these people can fill, and Fulton County can do it.”