HUD Plans to Relocate Headquarters to Cut Costs
In a move aimed at reducing expenses and increasing efficiency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is seeking a new location for its headquarters. This decision aligns with a broader Trump administration initiative to minimize federal agency footprints and employee numbers.
The current HUD building, constructed in 1968 and located in Washington, D.C., requires over $500 million in maintenance and modernization. The agency reports that its staff occupies only half of the available space, prompting the decision to relocate in order to “reduce the burden on the American taxpayer.”
HUD Secretary Scott Turner has voiced concerns about the current headquarters, describing the Brutalist architecture as “the ugliest building in D.C.” He emphasized the need for a workspace that promotes efficiency and accountability, stating, “HUD’s focus is on creating a workplace that reflects the values of efficiency, accountability, and purpose.”
The future of the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, remains uncertain. Although the building is up for sale, no price has been publicly announced. The relocation timeline and new headquarters location have yet to be determined, but maintaining a presence in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is a priority.
Adding to the complexity, DOGE, the cost-reduction team led by Elon Musk, is reportedly pushing to halve HUD’s staff, as per an internal document obtained by NPR. President Trump’s recent executive order grants federal agencies more flexibility to relocate outside of urban centers, overturning previous directives from Presidents Carter and Clinton that encouraged agencies to remain in city business districts.
For more details on these changes, read the full story on NPR’s website.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
