The year 2000 problem results in a depression. The problems threaten physical harm to the public as well as collapse of the economy. Before events can escalate the government intervenes. A bank holiday is declared. Government mobilized troops or bureaucrats take over food shipments and other essential activities.
Normal commerce ceases, but hastily constructed emergency systems provide society with basic needs.
FEMA convenes emergency councils to direct local areas. While it is a physical disaster like a hurricane or flood, everyone understands what is needed and cooperates to reconstruct and begin anew. In addition, some telephone and federal government systems, including the IRS, can't function. The public panics besieging government offices. Bank runs develop and many banks fail.