USDA Offloads Washington Buildings in Reorganization Effort

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the imminent disposal of two buildings, the South Building and Braddock Place, as part of the agency’s reorganization and relocation of most of its headquarters and staff out of the Washington, D.C., area.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden and General Services Administrator Edward C. Forst announced the disposal of the buildings Feb. 25, citing expensive real estate costs and President Donald Trump’s mission to relocate federal operations outside of the National Capital Region.

“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 Rollins. “More than 85% of the South Building is unoccupied, and there is a $1.6 billion backlog in deferred 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.”

As of last year, USDA employed about 4,600 staffers in the Washington, D.C., area. The reorganization is a step in the agency’s process of reducing its workforce. Last May, more than 15,000 employees left USDA, opting into the government’s Deferred Retirement Program.

“President Trump made clear his second term would include relocating the sprawling federal bureaucracy to locations outside the National Capital Region,” said 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.”

The agency’s reorganization consists of four pillars, said USDA:

• Ensure the size of USDA’s workforce aligns with available financial resources and agricultural priorities
• Bring USDA closer to its customers
• Eliminate management layers and bureaucracy
• Consolidate redundant support functions

“GSA remains committed to executing President Trump’s vision of reducing the bloated federal real estate portfolio and turning fiscal drain and empty space into economic opportunity,” said Forst. “I commend Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership for the proactive approach to meeting the needs of their workforce and saving taxpayer money.”