As of March 2025, the U.S. federal government is being transformed at an unprecedented pace, the extent of which will take years to fully realize. This moment of generational impact has arrived on the heels of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic that required leaders’ strategic support of communities feeling the effects of the health and economic crisis. While the current catalyst is different, the need to understand, plan, and act is similar.
I’ve written here in the past about leadership burnout, and acknowledge that fatigue happens at all levels. While I fear the accelerated loss of experienced leaders, I see an opportunity for new leaders to emerge and steer their organizations and communities through this period of change.
The Fourth Economy team is working to support leaders at all stages, serving as a thought partner, providing comprehensive engagement and analysis resources, and collaborating on plans to effectively manage current challenges and advance actions during this time.
Our commitment remains unwavering: to foster an economy that works for all.
Here are four actions we are taking to navigate unprecedented federal changes and support community leaders facing burnout and uncertainty:
Peer Conversations on Change
Our ongoing dialogues with community leaders have revealed a consistent struggle: navigating the influx of information, processing its implications, and defining effective action. Many leaders have expressed relief after these conversations, stating, 'I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I feel better having talked about these issues.' This feedback has spurred us to launch the Peer Conversations on Change Initiative. We will convene small groups of leaders for focused discussions, driven by their immediate concerns. Topics may range from managing the cumulative impacts facing communities to addressing sudden funding losses. Our goal is to listen, facilitate meaningful dialogue, and cultivate a supportive peer network. We've begun outreach, and we welcome your input on how this initiative can best serve you and whether you'd like to participate.
Assess, Act, Repeat
The notion of a static 'status quo' is obsolete. Communities are in constant flux, requiring leaders to adapt swiftly. Successful leaders prioritize data-driven insights and the lived experiences of those most affected to understand these evolving directions. At Fourth Economy, we are developing data models to 'stress test' communities in the current climate, archiving critical data that may become inaccessible, and integrating qualitative data to provide a holistic understanding. Often, data reveals unexpected and challenging realities. However, transparent communication of these findings is essential for developing effective improvement strategies. We advocate for a continuous cycle of assessment, action, and reassessment to ensure sustained progress for all community members.
Resources and Tools
Recognizing the potential loss of federal resources, we are actively evaluating and utilizing tools to track developments and compile essential information. We will share these resources in our newsletter, empowering you. For example, organizations like the Public Environmental Data Partners are preserving vital environmental and health data, and Syracuse University Libraries are tracking government data preservation efforts. We encourage you to explore their work.
Help Yourself to Help Your Community
In honor of Fourth Economy’s Pittsburgh roots, we are taking to heart the advice Mr. Rogers’ mother shared with him to provide comfort during scary times: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
I started this post by noting the burnout that exists today and has been a steady concern over the past five years. The rhetoric that is circulating and the actions being taken can cause extreme stress for community leaders. It is important to recognize when you're reaching your limit. Remember, those who provide support must also prioritize their own well-being to effectively serve their communities. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it's a necessity.
Here are some resources that I have engaged with recently:
I’d love to hear from you. Are you interested in joining a Peer Conversation? What questions do you have, or resources are you looking for to manage during this time? Drop me a line at [email protected].