As reports surface about thousands of federal employees losing their jobs nationwide, northern Utah is paying close attention—especially Weber County, home to a significant number of IRS workers.
According to Reuters, the Internal Revenue Service is set to lay off thousands of employees, primarily those still in their probationary period who lack full job protections. These cuts are part of a broader reduction in federal staffing ordered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). USA Today also confirmed widespread firings across multiple federal departments.
Northern Utah’s Federal Workforce at Risk
The 1st Congressional District of Utah, represented by Republican Rep. Blake Moore, has one of the highest concentrations of federal workers in the country. Based on Congressional Research Service data, an estimated 5.92% of the workforce in the district—equivalent to around 26,555 employees—are federal civilians. These figures, drawn from 2023 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, exclude military personnel.
Utah’s 1st District ranks 25th among all 435 U.S. congressional districts and Washington, D.C. in terms of the percentage of federal civilian workers. However, outside of Washington and its surrounding states of Maryland and Virginia, it ranks 13th nationally, tying with Ohio’s 10th District.
IRS and Defense Department Employment in the Region
The Utah Department of Workforce Services reports that the U.S. Treasury Department, which oversees the IRS, employs between 7,000 and 9,999 people in Weber County, making it the county’s largest employer. Given that Weber County lies entirely within the 1st District, any workforce reductions at the IRS could have significant local economic impacts.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense, including Hill Air Force Base, employs between 10,000 and 14,999 workers in Davis County, which is split between Utah’s 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts. The extent to which defense-related jobs may be affected by these federal workforce reductions remains unclear.
Rep. Blake Moore’s Response
Congressman Blake Moore, who has been vocal about government spending and efficiency, acknowledged the concerns of federal workers in his district following a recent town hall meeting in Kaysville.
“I heard a lot of frustration about the way the federal workforce is being portrayed and criticized,” Moore wrote in his February 11th constituent newsletter. “Our district has one of the largest numbers of federal employees in the nation, and I value their contributions.”
Moore, a strong advocate for federal budget cuts, emphasized the need to reassess government spending while also ensuring that essential services remain operational.
“I understand the concerns raised, and while this process may bring uncertainty, we must explore all aspects of the budget to address the federal deficit,” he said.
Moore’s Role in Federal Budget Reduction Efforts
Moore serves as co-chair of the Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, a House initiative aligned with President Donald Trump’s federal workforce reduction strategy. This effort is being led by Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, headed by businessman Elon Musk.
Through his work in the DOGE Caucus, Moore aims to identify wasteful spending while safeguarding critical functions such as air traffic control, which has been understaffed.
“My priority is to focus on results rather than political rhetoric,” Moore stated. “While we work to reduce inefficiencies, we must ensure that essential government operations are not compromised.”
Unions Push Back Against Job Cuts
The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents many IRS employees in Weber County, has joined other unions in filing a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration. The suit aims to block the widespread dismissal of probationary federal workers and others.
In a statement, NTEU President Doreen Greenwald condemned the job cuts, saying, “These actions show that this administration is not focused on efficiency, but rather on weakening government services at the expense of hardworking employees.”
What’s Next for Northern Utah?
As federal workforce reductions continue, the economic impact on Weber County and the surrounding areas remains uncertain. With the IRS being the largest employer in the county, layoffs could affect local businesses and overall job stability.
Meanwhile, Utah’s representatives and labor unions are expected to continue debating the balance between cutting government spending and preserving essential services in the coming months.
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