Urban Development -->

Urban Development Overview

GSA seeks to conduct its real estate activities and meet its client agencies' needs in ways that support community development. GSA facilities are located in more than 2000 urban communities nationwide, and in each of these communities GSA seeks to be an integral member and good neighbor. Through community partnerships, openness to the public, and location / design decisions, GSA provides multiple returns for communities and actively supports urban development. The principals that drive GSA business decisions in each of these areas are as follows:

Strategic Location and Design

  • Locate facilities in central business areas, historic districts, and redevelopment areas; and
  • Design and renovate facilities to enhance workplaces, revitalize communities, and represent the highest quality in architectural and urban design.

Customer and Community Partnerships

  • Establish partnerships with local customers and community organizations to address mutual neighborhood concerns;
  • Contract with business improvement districts and downtown companies;
  • Collaborate with civic advocate organizations at the national level;
  • Contribute to the improvement of areas around GSA facilities; and
  • Service as a clearinghouse for good practices.

Openness to the Public

  • Incorporate retail and other high-traffic uses into GSA facilities, where feasible;
  • Promote the use of GSA public spaces to host events, markets, meetings, and displays; and
  • Meet security needs in ways that remain welcoming to the public.
Last Reviewed 10/31/2008