Jesus Murillo (2023)

HUD
Washington, DC

As a Presidential Management Fellow at HUD, I was responsible for helping distribute $7 billion in grants aimed at improving affordable housing, public facilities, and local economies. Many of our grantees were new to federal funding, so my team and I worked to make the process accessible and understandable for them. By fast-tracking these funds, we helped prevent financial hardships and ensured that projects like renovating low-income housing and upgrading community centers could move forward quickly, benefiting families and neighborhoods across the country.

Growing up, I woke up before dawn to work in the fields, picking walnuts to help my family make ends meet. That experience shaped my passion for public service—because I saw firsthand how policies impact people’s lives. The Presidential Management Fellows program gave me the opportunity to turn that passion into action, placing me in roles where I could work on economic and community development at the federal level. It’s one of the most selective and effective programs for bringing in the next generation of government leaders—less than 10% of applicants are chosen. Eliminating it doesn’t just take away a career pathway; it weakens our ability to recruit top talent to solve our country’s toughest challenges. At a time when we need smart, well-trained public servants, cutting the PMF program is a step in the wrong direction.

I'd note the following re. the PMF program:

1. Exceptional Talent Recruitment — The PMF program has historically served as a vital pipeline for attracting top-tier talent to federal service. In 2024, the program received 7,193 applicants, with only 825 selected as finalists, highlighting its competitiveness and the high caliber of candidates it draws.

2. High Retention and Impact — Approximately 87% of PMF participants transition into permanent or term positions within the federal government after completing the two-year fellowship. This retention rate underscores the program's success in developing professionals who contribute significantly to public service.

3. Diverse and Inclusive Participation — The PMF program welcomes graduate students from all academic disciplines and backgrounds, ensuring a diverse cohort of fellows. This inclusivity enriches the federal workforce by bringing varied perspectives and experiences to address complex national challenges.