Billions on the Line: The Hidden Struggle to Shrink the Federal Government’s Real Estate Empire

The federal government has spent over a decade trying to reduce its massive, underused real estate footprint—but progress has been slow and costly. In this episode, GAO’s Dave Marroni breaks down why disposing of excess federal property remains such a persistent challenge, from funding hurdles to data gaps and lengthy timelines. He explains how new legislation and GSA’s more proactive approach—including private-sector brokers—could accelerate change and save billions in maintenance costs. The key? Better data, clearer performance goals, and smarter strategy. This conversation reveals why managing federal property isn’t just about buildings—it’s about accountability, efficiency, and mission success.