The Trump administration is considering selling two significant federal properties in San Francisco, including the recently renamed Nancy Pelosi Federal Building. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce the federal government’s real estate holdings and address concerns about underutilized assets.
The Nancy Pelosi Federal Building, an 18-story tower located at Mission and 7th streets, was dedicated to the former House Speaker in December 2024. The area surrounding the building has faced persistent issues with open-air drug activities and other criminal behavior, leading to safety concerns for federal employees. In 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services directed its staff to work remotely due to these safety issues.
Additionally, the administration is considering the sale of the historic federal building at 50 United Nations Plaza, which currently houses the General Services Administration’s (GSA) regional headquarters. Both properties have been identified as “non-core” assets, making them candidates for sale under the administration’s plan to streamline government operations.
Critics argue that these proposed sales may be politically motivated, targeting assets associated with prominent Democratic figures and regions. However, a GSA spokesperson refuted these claims, stating that the decision is based on a data-driven approach aimed at reducing maintenance liabilities and optimizing the federal real estate portfolio.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is overseeing this initiative as part of its mission to downsize federal bureaucracy and improve operational efficiency. The timeline for the potential sales and the future plans for the affected federal employees have not been fully detailed.
These developments occur amidst broader efforts by the administration to reassess and realign federal assets, particularly in urban areas facing economic and social challenges.