Agency Space Design and Utilization
Shift in Office Utilization
- 51% of all agencies report utilizing less than 50% of their dedicated office space, with most utilizing less than 25%.
- Only 31% of agencies are utilizing their office space at pre-pandemic levels.
Given this, state government is working to reduces its office footprint through this DAS Portfolio Repositioning Project.
Our Goal:
- Identify a 30% reduction in the state's ofice footprint by the end of calendar year 2027 (base year 2021).
Our Strategy:
- Densify state-owned buildings by collapsing private sector leases into our assets.
- Co-locate agencies to the greatest extent possible regionally where we don't have assets or where state buildings are not conducive for agency operations.
Intended Outcomes:
- Significant cost savings for agencies.
- Modern, collaborative workspaces that support a dynamic workforce.
- Opportunities for liquidation and streamlining the state's assets.
Legislative Presentation
Betsy Imholt, DAS Director, Jessica Knieling, CHRO and Shannon Ryan, EAM Administrator presented an update of the Rightsizing project to the Ways and Means Subcommittee in 2026.
Updated Space Planning Policy and Guidance
While statewide reduction of office space is necessary, agencies must also rethink the purpose of the office. In what ways can agencies re-think their office space so that all employees benefit, while simultaneously aligning with other statewide policies and goals that benefit all Oregonians?
The following guidance is intended to support agencies while they rethink current and future office space planning. Design principles focus on office flexibility and prioritization of employee needs through inclusivity, adaptability, sustainability and employee health and wellness. The guidance also provides agencies with the rationale, framework and tools for implementing the new
Space Design and Utilization Policy 107-011-100. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution and not all recommendations will work for all agencies. Since these workspace practices will be new to most state agencies, they will need to be validated through implementation and updated regularly to incorporate lessons learned.
Tools:
Supporting Procedures and Tools:
Commuting and Climate Change:
DAS and Oregon Department of Transportation have published an analysis of Oregon state government employee commute patterns and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The analysis shows how changing work patterns have affected GHG emissions and what can be factored into decision making moving forward.
Commute Patterns and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Storybook