Trump orders end to preference for downtown federal office space
By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor
President Donald Trump recently revoked executive orders issued by Presidents Carter and Clinton that gave preference for downtown and historic office locations for federal offices.
“Those actions prevented agencies from prioritizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in siting decisions,” according to a White House news release. “Thanks to this executive order, agencies are empowered to site their facilities in the best available properties near the people they serve.”
“The GSA currently manages approximately 363 million rentable square feet in 8,397 buildings in more than 2,200 communities nationwide. Deferred maintenance liabilities now exceed $17 billion, and in many cases, these liabilities exceed the value of the properties owned by GSA.”
“The rescinded orders required federal agencies to prioritize central business districts and historic properties and districts when selecting locations for federal facilities. Those actions prevented agencies from prioritizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in siting decisions.”