President Donald Trump signed an executive order permitting federal agencies to move their offices to more affordable locations outside of Washington, D.C. This decision aims to decrease wasteful government spending and enhance service delivery by bringing agencies closer to the people they serve.
The order revokes prior executive actions by Presidents Carter and Clinton that mandated federal offices be situated in central business districts. Trump's administration argues that these previous orders hindered cost-effectiveness and efficient service provision.
The White House fact sheet highlights the substantial deferred maintenance liabilities on federal buildings, exceeding $17 billion. Relocating offices is expected to yield significant cost savings. Examples cited include the termination of leases in Boise, Idaho; Hadley, Massachusetts; and Los Angeles, California, resulting in millions of dollars in savings.
The General Services Administration (GSA) is tasked with updating regulations to align with the new order. All agencies using federally owned or leased space must comply. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plays a crucial role in identifying and eliminating wasteful spending.