Making the Most of the Federal Government's Vast Portfolio of Commercial Properties

Denise Turner Roth writes:

Towns and cities across the country seek development that promotes vibrant, people-oriented, mixed-use communities. The federal government, which owns significant tracts of land in prime areas for redevelopment, could be a key partner, but genuine collaboration between community leaders and federal officials is essential.

To put a finer point on the term "significant, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is the nation's largest holder of commercial property, according to Turner Roth. Virtually every community in the country has an opportunity to make the most of the federal properties in their midst.

The article provides a collection of case studies of local communities working together with the federal government to redevelop commercial properties. Turner Roth describes examples as varied as Fresno, Boston, and Washington, D.C. On the other side of the equation are cities where a new federal building is proposed. Turner Roth suggests its up to the local community to make sure they integrate their needs with the ambitions of the federal government.