USDA and GSA move to cut costs and modernize federal workspace use
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) have announced plans to dispose of the Agriculture South building in Washington, DC. The decision is part of a broader effort to reduce costs, improve workspace efficiency, and better manage federal real estate assets.
“GSA is enthusiastically committed to executing President Trump’s vision of reducing the bloated federal real estate portfolio and turning the fiscal drain of empty space into economic opportunity,” said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. “I applaud Secretary Rollins, Deputy Secretary Vaden, and Senator Ernst for their efforts to save taxpayer money and make our federal workspaces great again.”
Officials stated that the building is currently more than 85% vacant, creating a large financial burden for taxpayers. The plan aims to remove a billion-dollar liability and avoid approximately $1.6 billion in delayed maintenance costs. By disposing of the underused property, USDA intends to improve the use of office space and align facilities with modern workforce needs.
“This is a long overdue move to protect American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C. area when our government should be closer to the farmers and ranchers we serve,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
“More than 85% of the South Building is unoccupied, and there is a $1.6 billion backlog in delinquent maintenance. It is simply unacceptable to put these costs on the taxpayer. We are being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top notch customer service and fulfilling our promises to American farmers,” said Rollins.
According to the agencies, the move supports federal goals to consolidate operations and ensure government resources are used responsibly. USDA expects that average office utilization will increase from about 15% to nearly 80% in proposed new locations. This shift is designed to create more efficient work environments while maintaining strong service delivery.
Government leaders emphasized that reducing unused space allows funds to be directed toward core services rather than costly building maintenance. The decision is also presented to bring government operations closer to the agricultural communities they serve, including farmers and ranchers across the country.
The announcement also highlights broader organizational changes within USDA. Officials described the disposal as an early step in a larger restructuring effort aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The agencies believe that rightsizing the federal real estate portfolio can help reduce waste and strengthen accountability.
In addition to financial benefits, the project may support economic development opportunities in Southwest Washington, DC. Leaders noted that repurposing or redeveloping the site could create new value for the local area while easing taxpayer expenses.
“President Trump made clear his second term would include relocating the sprawling federal bureaucracy to locations outside the National Capital Region,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden.
“The prior administration not only burdened the taxpayer through questionable policymaking but also by maintaining a massive, underutilized real estate footprint that USDA’s budget could not sustain. Today’s announcement cements the beginning of USDA’s larger reorganization, ensuring this Department delivers on its mission to the American people within the bounds of its financial resources,” said Vaden.
Overall, the decision reflects an effort to balance fiscal responsibility with effective public service. By reducing underused space and modernizing operations, USDA and GSA aim to better support their mission while protecting taxpayer dollars and improving long-term operational efficiency.
Photot Credit: usda