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USDA to relocate many D.C. employees

The USDA plans to move over 4,600 employees from Washington, D.C., to regional hubs nationwide.

July 24, 2025 at 05:47 PM

USDA to relocate more than half of D.C. area employees under reorganization plan

The USDA plans to move most of its D.C. employees to regional hubs after growing staffing levels.

USDA announces significant D.C. workforce relocation

The USDA is set to relocate more than half of its workforce from Washington, D.C., to regional centers across the United States. This decision aligns with a broader reorganization initiative aimed at reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Over 15,000 employees are expected to take voluntary early retirement or deferred resignations as part of this plan. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that these moves are not a large-scale layoff but rather focused changes to streamline operations. The agency plans to move approximately 4,600 positions, maintaining key functions in D.C. while relocating to locations with lower living costs such as Raleigh and Fort Collins. This move comes amid rising operational costs and reflects a longer trend of decreased staffing in the national capital area under recent administrations, despite claims of expanding agency capabilities.

Key Takeaways

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USDA will relocate over half its D.C. employees to regional hubs across the U.S.

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The reorganization aims to reduce operational costs and improve community engagement.

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Over 15,000 employees will leave via voluntary early retirements and resignations.

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No large-scale layoffs are planned, only focused reductions where necessary.

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Key regional hubs will offer lower locality pay due to their reduced cost of living.

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USDA aims for a smooth transition despite potential personal disruptions for staff.

"We are doing just that by moving our key offices’ services outside Washington D.C."

Secretary Rollins highlights the goal of improving efficiency through relocation.

"This perhaps creates some personal disruption for you and your families."

Rollins acknowledges the challenges employees face with the relocation.

The USDA's restructuring reflects ongoing tensions in federal workforce management, especially regarding location and resource usage. By shifting operations away from Washington, D.C., the agency aims to cut costs and improve proximity to the communities it serves. However, past efforts to relocate employees have resulted in significant pushback, with many opting to leave rather than move. This time, USDA’s strategy focuses on minimizing disruption, but the real challenge lies in convincing staff to adapt to new locations while ensuring continuous service delivery. Secretary Rollins’s pledge of a smooth transition will be critical to retaining talent and fostering a proactive work environment amidst these changes.