Since the end of the pandemic, the federal government has struggled to implement return to office policies. Many of their facilities sit up to 70 percent vacant but still cost millions to operate annually.
Data from the General Services Administration (GSA) reveals that of the more than 9,700 federally owned or leased buildings none meet the 60 percent occupancy threshold, according to Federal News Network. The new data does not include the U.S Department of Defense, which holds the largest amount of government real estate.
Under the USE IT Act, implemented at the beginning of 2025, government agencies must ensure their facilities achieve at least a 60 percent occupancy rate or take steps to reduce the excess space. The law also requires agencies to track and publicly record how their space is used.
GSA officials said the data will be used to guide decisions on reducing the federal footprint to save billions. Options under consideration include consolidating agencies into shared spaces, disposing of underutilized properties and reducing reliance on leased facilities.
As part of its initial phase to tackle the problem — the federal government recently announce that it plans to sell headquarters buildings for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the FBI has relocated into a new building.
Elaina Myers is the assistant editor of the facilities market.
