Council News Today — October 23, 2026

The federal government is taking steps to bolster its leadership and infrastructure in various areas. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a new hiring plan and permanent leadership appointments are on the horizon, according to the agency's director. This move aims to strengthen the organization's capacity to address public health challenges. Meanwhile, the impact of layoffs at the District of Columbia's Department of General Services is still being felt, particularly among Black women who were disproportionately affected.

In a related development, data centers are likely to be considered critical infrastructure, according to a top House intelligence Democrat. This designation could have significant implications for how data centers are prioritized and protected, potentially leading to increased investment and security measures in the sector. As governments and organizations continue to rely on data centers and public health infrastructure, the need for effective leadership and strategic planning will only continue to grow. Today's news highlights the ongoing efforts to address these needs and build a more resilient and effective infrastructure.

Today's signal:
• CDC hiring plan and more permanent leadership coming soon, director tells staff (govexec.com)
• DOGE’s layoffs took a toll on Black women. The effects are still being felt (govexec.com)
• ‘No question’ data centers will be considered critical infrastructure, top House intel Dem says (route-fifty.com)