With Federal Shutdown Looming, Dakota Credit Unions Stand Ready to Support Members With the federal funding deadline set for midnight tonight, September 30, the prospect of a government shutdown is once again dominating headlines. This year’s potential shutdown carries additional uncertainty: the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has instructed federal agencies to prepare reduction-in-force (RIF) plans for programs not legally required to continue. Unlike past shutdowns, this means some workers could face permanent job losses, not just temporary furloughs. The impact could be felt all over and here in our Dakota region. I recall a conversation with a congressional Chief of Staff a few years back prior to a previous pending shutdown and the prospective hardship and financial stress a shutdown can have on federal workers and their families. Whether here or in DC, many federal workers still show up for their jobs, especially those working for our federal representatives. These individuals have mortgages, childcare costs, vehicle loans, and regular household expenses. Historically, “non-essential” federal employees have been furloughed without pay and later received back pay when the government reopened. Essential workers including law enforcement, TSA, and military personnel must work without pay until funding is restored. While the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 guarantees back pay for furloughed or working employees, those subject to a RIF would not be eligible, raising the stakes considerably. The Local Impact: 14,000 Federal Workers Across the Dakotas A shutdown would impact nearly 14,000 federal employees across the Dakotas about 5,400 in North Dakota and 8,400 in South Dakota. Individuals, along with federal contractors, rely on steady paychecks to meet everyday expenses. This year’s shutdown, if prolonged, could carry longer-term consequences for members whose livelihoods depend heavily on federal employment. Reports late last week estimated a 65% likelihood of a shutdown. Although federal funding does not expire until midnight Tuesday, lawmakers remain divided, and Congress is still debating potential short-term fixes. OMB has confirmed that the RIF plans would not be triggered if a clean short-term funding bill is passed before the deadline. How Credit Unions Are Helping As we know from previous shutdowns, Dakota credit unions consistently step up to support impacted members even when doing so puts added financial strain on the institutions themselves. Examples of support include:
We encourage Dakota credit unions to share their initiatives so we can collectively highlight the #CUDifference and report these impacts to America’s Credit Unions. Resources and Key Points to Know America's Credit Unions has created a resource page that includes background information, guidance on how agencies and consumers may be affected, and recommendations for credit unions. Here are a few highlights:
Our compliance team remains available to answer questions and provide assistance as needed. Economic Considerations Even if the shutdown occurs, several key facts remain reassuring:
Local economies in the Dakotas may also feel strain if federal paychecks are delayed, small business loans are put on hold, or national parks and federal facilities close temporarily. Living the Credit Union Mission During the 2018–2019 shutdown, more than 500 credit unions nationwide provided $46 million in emergency loans, loan extensions, and other support, helping more than 60,000 members. Over 3,000 new members joined credit unions because they knew they would be cared for during financial uncertainty. Dakota credit unions are prepared to once again embody this cooperative spirit. By offering financial relief, personalized service, and community stability, we will demonstrate why credit unions are true financial first responders serving members, not shareholders. Call to Action We want to hear from you: How is your credit union preparing to help members impacted by the shutdown? Please share your actions with the Dakota Credit Union Association so we can track the #CUDifference and report on the collective impact of our movement. America’s Credit Unions will continue advocating for continuity in government funding to reduce long-term harm. In the meantime, we will keep you updated as developments unfold. Don’t Miss These Upcoming Opportunities! We have several exciting opportunities coming up for Dakota credit union leaders, professionals, and members. Mark your calendars, secure your spots, and make sure you don’t miss out. New ACU President-CEO to speak to Dakota CEOs during 4th Quarter Town Hall Join us for our quarterly CEO Town Hall Tuesday, October 7 at 3:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM MT, featuring Scott Simpson, the newly appointed President/CEO of America’s Credit Unions. This exclusive conversation is your chance to hear directly from national leadership on priorities, challenges, and opportunities shaping our movement. Credit union leaders and CEOs should have already received an email invite. If not, please reach out to me at [email protected]. New Ideas Conference Feeling like you’re chasing change instead of leading? The 2025 New Ideas Conference will help you reset, recharge, and refocus. Join us in historic Deadwood, SD, October 14–15. This will be 1.5 days of inspiration, innovation, and peer-to-peer networking in historic Deadwood. Take home practical solutions to strengthen your credit union and reenergize your team. Registration ends this Friday, October 3! International Credit Union (ICU) Day Celebrate the 77th anniversary of International Credit Union (ICU) Day, Thursday, October 16, 2025. This year’s theme “Cooperation for a Prosperous World.” Since 1948, ICU Day has honored our movement’s history and global impact. Join more than 82,000 cooperatives serving 403 million members worldwide in recognizing the power of credit unions. Free promotional materials and resources are available here. DakCU Compliance Conclave Don’t miss the all-new DakCU Compliance Conclave, October 20–21, 2025, in Bismarck. This one of kind event is designed exclusively for compliance professionals and CU leaders trying of navigating the daily regulatory burdens. This event will dive into:
Register by October 10 to secure your spot! And while you’re in Bismarck, make plans to stay for the first-ever North Dakota DFI Credit Union Summit, October 22. Hosted by the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions and NASCUS, this gathering will bring regulators, executives, and industry leaders together for meaningful discussions on the future of North Dakota’s credit union system. One-Stop GAC Shop Planning to attend the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) March 1–5, 2026, Washington, D.C.? DakCU has created a one-stop GAC shop to simplify your experience. In one convenient place, you can:
These events are not only professional development opportunities, but also powerful ways to connect, learn, and advance the credit union mission together. Making the Grade. North Dakota Credit Unions Recognized as Best Places to Work! Congratulations and a big shout out to First Community Credit Union, Jamestown and to Town & Country Credit Union, Minot, on being recognized by Prairie Business Journal’s Top 50 Best Places to Work in 2025. Both North Dakota Credit Unions made the grade out of 1,600 nominations. Well done! Have a terrific week.  DakCU President/CEO
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