Government Executive reports that the USDA is planning significant staff reductions and a restructuring that involves closing its Washington D.C. headquarters and relocating many remaining employees to new regional hubs. This initiative aims to reduce the workforce, consolidate operations, and place employees closer to the communities they serve. The agency anticipates widespread layoffs in late April or early May, with potential targets of returning to 2019 staffing levels, impacting thousands of employees. Employees have also been informed that remote work will end, necessitating relocation for those living beyond 50 miles of the new hubs. Concerns exist regarding the impact on agency productivity, based on past relocation experiences, and criticisms have been raised about the administration's rationale for these changes. The USDA has offered deferred resignations and is expected to offer buyouts as part of this reorganization.
