The panel, moderated by University of Mary Washington political science professor Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, focused on the sweeping changes being proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal initiative aiming to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending.
Federal cuts coming
Rob Hartwell, a former Capitol Hill chief of staff and now president of Hartwell Capital Consulting, warned that Prince William County’s reliance on federal jobs and contracts makes it vulnerable.
“There’s never been a complete overhaul of federal agencies in 50 years,” said Hartwell. “Now, the pendulum is swinging hard, and we’re seeing real disruption.”
According to Hartwell, Virginia is home to more than 235,000 federal employees — about 5.5% of the state’s workforce — and Prince William County alone has about 23,000, with some estimates placing that number even higher.
Public support for reform is strong, he said, citing polls showing over 60% of Americans back DOGE’s mission. But Hartwell cautioned that such popularity comes with costs. “We may lose 10% of our federal workforce here,” he said, adding that layoffs are already happening in the defense contracting industry.
Hartwell also presented examples of what he called “wasteful spending,” including $12 million for Las Vegas pickleball courts and $4.6 million for international drag shows. “It’s spending like this that makes the public fed up,” he said.
Economic outlook: gloomy
Dr. Keith Walters, director of the Stephen S. Fuller Institute at George Mason University, delivered a stark economic forecast. “I’m here to provide some doom and gloom,” Walters said, only half-joking.
Northern Virginia’s economy has underperformed the national average since 2011, Walters said, largely due to overreliance on federal procurement. He warned that layoffs in the federal and contracting sectors would likely bleed into retail, hospitality, and other industries.
Walters estimated that 1.5% of Prince William residents — those with federal jobs — could lose employment as the DOGE cuts take effect. “That’s your neighbors,” he said.
He added that the local housing crunch is compounding the region’s challenges. “There are just 552 homes for sale in Prince William County. If you’re running a business, you can’t hire people if they have nowhere to live,” Walters said.
Solutions and opportunity
Despite the dire outlook, both speakers offered solutions. Hartwell called on county leaders to diversify the economy by investing in tourism, technology, and workforce development. He also pitched ideas to revitalize Route 1 into a military technology corridor and transform Route 28 into a high-tech hub.
Meanwhile, Walters said Prince William County is doing better than some neighboring jurisdictions when it comes to housing construction. “You’re building more than most, and you’re helping the region — that’s part of why your traffic is so bad,” he said, sparking a round of chuckles.
The evening wrapped with a reminder of the stakes involved.
“We’re going to pay the price here in Prince William County,” Hartwell warned, “for the excesses of some inside the federal bureaucracy who threw our money away.”
The Prince William Committee of 100 is a non-partisan educational forum dedicated to studying essential interests, problems, and goals of the people of Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The committee brings together diverse leaders from business, civic, and government communities to explore issues and foster common understanding. Membership is open to individuals living or working in the Prince William area engaged in civic, business, cultural, humanitarian, or similar activities.
The Committee generally offers programs on the third Thursday of every month except for June, July, August, and December. Forums typically feature panels of experts discussing current issues of importance to the community.
The Committee of 100 will continue hosting public forums on key regional issues throughout the year.
As federal workforce reductions continue to shake the government contracting sector, businesses, employees, and community leaders across Northern Virginia are coming together to discuss the economic impact and explore solutions. Two upcoming events—one hosted by the Prince William Committee of 100 and another by the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC)—aim to address the challenges created by federal agencies’ budget cuts and workforce reductions.
Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Hosts Townhall on Federal Layoffs
In addition to PWC100’s panel discussion, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC) will hold an open Townhall Meeting to discuss the immediate challenges of federal workforce reductions. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jirani Coffeehouse in Manassas.
With thousands of professionals in the region reliant on federal contracts, the NVBCC aims to provide a space for business owners, contractors, and employees to connect and strategize on ways to pivot amid economic uncertainty.
“At NVBCC, we recognize the need for open, honest discussions about workforce shifts and business challenges,” said Tonya Poindexter, Board Chair of NVBCC. “We don’t have all the answers, but we believe in the power of bringing people together to have meaningful conversations and learn from one another.”
- What to Expect at the NVBCC Townhall:
Gain insights from professionals and industry leaders on the latest developments affecting businesses and workers. - Connect with local business leaders, policymakers, and community members.
- Participate in an open discussion forum to share experiences and strategies.
- Explore resources and solutions for adapting to economic shifts.
The NVBCC Townhall is free and open to the public, welcoming government contractors, small business owners, employees, and community stakeholders.
Reserve Your Spot: Register at northernvirginiabcc.org.
Prince William Committee of 100 to Examine Economic Impact
The Prince William Committee of 100 (PWC100) will host an expert panel discussion titled “The Domino Effects of DOGE in the Prince William Area Economy” on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Brittany’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Lake Ridge.
The event will explore the economic implications of the recent Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives, which have led to restructuring within federal agencies and government contracts. Panelists will include industry experts, business leaders, and economic analysts who will break down the potential risks and opportunities for Prince William County and the broader Northern Virginia region.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from experts such as:
- Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D., Professor at the University of Mary Washington
- Rob Hartwell, President of Hartwell Capitol Consulting
- Marty Nohe, Chair of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce
- Keith Waters, Ph.D., Assistant Director at George Mason University’s Stephen S. Fuller Institute
The event is open to the public, with tickets available for $35 for members and $40 for guests. To register, visit pwc100.org.
At a presentation hosted by the Prince William County Committee of 100, the community gathered to explore the potential utilization of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a viable energy source for the Northern Virginia region.
The event at Brittany's Restaurant in Lake Ridge aimed to foster discussion and education surrounding the growing interest in SMRs and their role in addressing the area's energy requirements. Speakers included David Winks, the managing director of Acqusight Inc., and Rob Hartwell, president of Hartwell Capitol Consulting.
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Bel O’Neill, president of the committee, said the committee’s decision to focus on human trafficking coincided with National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. While initially unaware of the national event, the alignment added importance to the local initiative, she added.
A panel comprising experts such as Wesley Dawson, director of the office of community safety in Prince William County, Detective Abigail McLaughlin, with Prince William police special victims unit, and representatives from ACTS and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of human trafficking.
O’Neill emphasized the importance of bringing professionals from various agencies together to address the issue comprehensively.
The median annual household income in Prince William County is $123,000, $48,400 higher than the national median income.
Considering the stereotype that human trafficking is not associated with affluent neighborhoods, O’Neill emphasized the committee’s commitment to bringing attention to lesser-known issues affecting the community.
The goal is not only to discuss the problem but also to highlight available resources and agencies. O’Neill added that the meeting aims to allow the audience to determine the issue’s significance.
The event, hosted at Montclair Golf Club, follows a dinner program meeting format. Attendees can interact with speakers during the meal and participate in a question-and-answer session at the end of the presentation. O’Neill described it as a chance for community members to connect with experts and delve deeper into the subject.
While the dinner meeting costs $35 for members and $40 for non-members or guests, reservations are encouraged. Observer-only seats are also available on a first-come, first-served basis for those unable to attend the dinner. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the panel discussion begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Prince William Committee of 100, a civic nonprofit organization, has existed for 35 years. The group holds community conversations about local matters affecting those who live and work in the county, Manassas, and Manassas Park cities at various locations in the county and cities.
O’Neill mentioned that the committee strives for 100 members, having 42 for the current program year. Membership, costing $40 annually, offers benefits supporting the committee’s mission.
O’Neill encouraged interested individuals to join by attending a meeting, filling out a membership form at the check-in table, or contacting the committee via email. Membership information is also available on the committee’s website.
The Montclair Golf Club is at 16500 Edgewood Drive in Montclair.
The Prince William Committee of 100 will present a forum on clean water.
Dinner and a forum will be held Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at Brittany’s Restaurant in Lake Ridge, 12449 Dillingham Square. The cost is $35 for the Prince William Committee of 100 members and $40 for nonmembers. Registration is accepted online.
Residents who opposed data center expansion in Prince William County cite clean drinking water and the adverse effects data center expansion will have on the Occoquan Reservoir, a regional clean water source.
