Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) introduced a space optimization initiative to reduce the Commonwealth’s leased space and enhance Commonwealth-owned facilities to meet evolving workforce needs and generate tens of millions in savings by 2033.
The Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Space Optimization & Utilization Project (SOUP) is the Commonwealth’s first comprehensive review of its real estate portfolio to improve operational efficiency. SOUP will enhance the use of state-owned properties, provide modern, flexible workspaces for employees, drive long-term efficient use of real estate, and deliver more centralized, convenient service centers for taxpayers.
“For decades, the Commonwealth has expanded its presence in leased facilities without fully utilizing its owned properties. This approach has resulted in inefficiencies, increased costs to taxpayers, and workspaces that no longer meet modern standards,” said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. “The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to delivering high-quality services for all Pennsylvanians while reducing operating costs and streamlining the Commonwealth’s infrastructure. The SOUP initiative allows us to reinvest in state-owned facilities, maximizing their potential, while creating dynamic workplaces and service centers that better serve our employees and the public.”
DGS developed SOUP through collaboration with 43 state agencies, boards and commissions across 406 office locations who collectively identified significant opportunities to optimize space utilization and reduce reliance on costly leased properties.
Key Benefits of SOUP include:
- Investing in state-owned buildings by modernizing outdated workspaces, improving energy efficiency, and preserving historic structures.
- Creating modern worksites with shared hoteling stations, conference rooms, kitchens and mailrooms, and improved digital infrastructure.
- Reducing rental costs by cutting leased space by 2 million square feet by 2033.
- Realizing anticipated savings of tens of millions by 2033.
- Enhancing public access by co-locating government services into centralized, convenient locations.
“The workplace is evolving, and the Shapiro-Davis Administration understands that office spaces must evolve with it,” said DGS Deputy Secretary for Business Operations Catherine Califano. “This initiative is not just about reducing costs; it’s about making thoughtful investments that create productive and flexible work environments while improving service delivery for Pennsylvanians.”
The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to delivering high-quality public services while using taxpayer dollars responsibly. DGS will continue to incorporate data-driven decision-making to guide future real estate investments based on agency needs and employee work patterns. By consolidating services into strategically located, modernized state-owned facilities, SOUP will improve employee experiences, reduce the Commonwealth’s overhead, and create a more efficient, resilient government infrastructure.
"This is more than just an optimization project; it's a strategic investment in the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce and public service," said Secretary McNeil. "Through SOUP, we are building a government that works and spends efficiently and effectively and delivers exceptional services to Pennsylvanians.”
For more information on the Space Optimization & Utilization Project, visit the SOUP webpage.