HUD moves its main office from D.C. to Virginia, citing cost savings, employee health, and federal efficiency.

HUD Makes Historic Move to Virginia

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is making history as the first major federal cabinet agency to move its headquarters out of Washington, D.C. The announcement, made jointly by HUD Secretary Scott Turner and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday, marks a significant shift for federal operations. HUD’s new home will be in Alexandria’s Carlyle-Eisenhower neighborhood, occupying the National Science Foundation building near the city’s commercial and residential centers.

The relocation comes as HUD’s current headquarters, the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building on L’Enfant Plaza, faces mounting criticism for its deteriorating condition and hefty maintenance costs. Senate DOGE Caucus members, including Chairwoman Sen. Joni Ernst, have targeted the building for sale, calling it a “vacant and run-down monument to waste” with over half a billion dollars in overdue repairs.

Secretary Turner described the decision as both practical and forward-thinking. “It is time to turn the page on the Weaver Building and relocate to a new headquarters that prioritizes the well-being of HUD employees and properly reflects the passion and excellence of our team,” Turner said, citing persistent health hazards, leaks, and structural failures at the old site.

HUD’s move is projected to unlock hundreds of millions in taxpayer savings and address longstanding concerns over mold, asbestos, and unreliable elevator service. The agency anticipates a $51-per-square-foot reduction in maintenance and operating expenses, compared to the current building, which has already seen $90 million in repairs over the past 15 years.

Virginia Welcomes Federal Agency, Sees Economic Impact

Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed HUD and its 2,700 headquarters-based employees to Virginia, highlighting the state’s reputation as a prime location for families and businesses. “Virginia is a great place to be headquartered, and we are excited to welcome the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the best state in America to live, work, and raise a family,” Youngkin said.

Amid early criticism from some state leaders about the broader effort to relocate federal workers, Youngkin noted that the new HUD headquarters is only a few Metro stops from downtown D.C., ensuring continued access to the capital’s resources while boosting Virginia’s economy.

Sen. Ernst praised the decision, noting that selling the old Weaver Building and other “federal fixer-uppers” could generate $400 million in revenue and save taxpayers billions in future maintenance. Michael Peters, commissioner of the General Services Administration, also commended the move for aligning with federal priorities of fiscal responsibility and mission effectiveness.

HUD expects strong private sector interest in its L’Enfant Plaza property, given its proximity to the National Mall, the Smithsonian, and popular waterfront areas. As HUD settles into its new home, the transition is seen as a model for optimizing federal real estate portfolios and ensuring agencies remain mission-focused and cost-efficient.

The move reflects broader federal efforts under President Donald Trump to reform government operations and cut unnecessary spending, signaling potential changes ahead for other agencies with underutilized properties.