Smart Space Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Burlison
Passed House
Summary
Moves the federal government toward using public‑private partnerships and other private financing to reduce federal real estate costs. GSA must hold public consultation meetings within 90 days and deliver recommendations to the President within 120 days that list specific projects and the alternative financing or partnership methods to use, such as design‑build‑finance‑operate contracts or ground‑lease with leaseback.
Show full summary
- Federal agencies and employees will get a vetted list of projects aimed at keeping core mission functions in place and consolidating or relocating offices out of costly or underused space. Standard office projects recommended for alternative financing must meet a minimum building utilization of 60 percent.
- Taxpayers may see lower federal real estate costs if the recommended alternative financing methods reduce upfront spending or enable sales of vacated properties.
- Private commercial real estate firms gain clear opportunities to design, finance, operate, maintain, or lease federal buildings under defined public‑private partnership models.
- The public and local stakeholders get transparency: meetings must be noticed and open, GSA must post timelines, milestones, and the recommended project list on its website, and report delays to the President and Congress.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clearer rules for federal building partnerships
If enacted, the bill would define what counts as “alternative financing” and “public‑private partnership” for federal public buildings. It would include deals where a private party designs, builds, finances, operates, or maintains an asset, or does a mix of those jobs. It would also include a ground lease to a private party with a lease‑back of the improvements. “Public building” would follow the existing federal definition in 40 U.S.C. 3301. These definitions would take effect upon enactment and guide which projects and partners qualify.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Burlison
MO • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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