President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promise to move federal jobs out of Washington, DC, in an effort to combat the 'deep state' has sparked debate and concerns about the potential impact on government agencies.
During his first term, Trump initiated the relocation of the Bureau of Land Management's headquarters to Grand Junction, Colorado, a move that was met with challenges and setbacks.
According to current and former senior BLM staffers, the relocation led to an exodus of experienced employees and a surge in vacancies, hindering the agency's ability to carry out its mission effectively.
Tracy Stone-Manning, the current BLM director under the Biden administration, described the western relocation as 'wildly disruptive' and emphasized the need for caution in future relocation efforts.
Stone-Manning highlighted the significant opportunity cost incurred by the BLM due to the relocation, diverting attention and resources away from critical work for public lands and the American people.
The aftermath of the BLM move serves as a cautionary tale for the incoming administration, underscoring the importance of thoughtful planning and consideration of the potential consequences of relocating federal jobs outside the Beltway.
As the Biden administration works to rebuild the BLM and address the challenges stemming from the previous relocation, the debate over the efficacy and impact of moving federal jobs away from Washington continues.
