Washington is a city with more than 600,000 residents who pay local and federal taxes. But the city needs a federal appropriation to spend even its locally raised funds, meaning that during a federal shutdown, city services like trash collection are suspended. But on Sept. 25, Mayor Vincent Gray, breaking with tradition, declared all D.C. public workers “essential” to avoid a disruption of city services.

Joshua Roberts/Reuters
Washington Mayor Vincent Gray, seen here on Sept. 16, has prepared for a government shutdown.