The Department of Agriculture is still utilizing just a third of its headquarters in Washington, D.C., even with the increased use following the return-to-work mandate, as highlighted in a recent report by the agency’s inspector general.
After a directive from President Trump requiring federal employees to return to the office by February 2025, the average daily occupancy at 15 USDA facilities more than doubled compared to when the Biden administration allowed flexible telework options. However, the report, released on Monday, noted that overall usage remained low at only 36%, with the headquarters itself only making use of one-third of its available space.
According to the report, “Average daily occupancy rose from 1,537 before the return-to-office date of February 28, 2025, to 3,745 after. Before this return, USDA utilized 15% of the design capacity across selected locations, while that number climbed to 36% afterwards.” In the wake of Trump’s executive order, hybrid work and telework among federal employees dropped by over 50% in the months that followed.
Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who has previously expressed concerns regarding the high vacancy rates in federal properties, indicated that the findings suggest a clear approach moving forward.
“After the Agriculture Department refuted claims that its headquarters had transformed into a ‘ghost town,’ it was essential for Secretary Brooke Rollins and GSA Administrator Edward Mr. Forst to ensure that public officials were present to optimize the use of taxpayer-funded space,” Ernst shared.
She added, “Even with President Trump and the USDA managing to double office attendance, nearly two-thirds of this space is still left unused! It’s high time we consider selling this underutilized building, potentially saving taxpayers millions and bringing federal employees closer to the communities they serve.”
The senator pointed out that a December 2023 memo from the Department of Transportation acknowledged that less than 15% of its office space in D.C. was in use. Ernst’s report from November 2024 mentioned that telework was authorized for up to 90% of employees in various federal agencies, which has resulted in significant portions of office buildings remaining vacant, creating unsafe conditions in at least one facility.
In a January correspondence with Ernst, the United States Postal Service noted that there are 285 partially or fully unoccupied buildings nationwide, emphasizing that Congressional action is needed to address the issue.
The report further noted, “[Public Buildings Reform Board] high costs and low occupancy rates carry environmental and health risks. The carbon footprint from heating and cooling nearly empty buildings is unacceptable, and the energy expenses are quite steep.” Under-occupied buildings pose health risks, as recent findings from the GSA revealed Legionella outbreaks linked to stagnant water in poorly occupied plumbing systems.
Ernst championed the Disposal of Unused Structures and Real Estate by Sale and Lease Offering (Disposal) Act, which was enacted on October 30, aiming to sell six significant federally owned buildings in D.C. and simplifying the process for selling others.
