Issues & AdvocacyFederal

On March 1, the first round of automatic spending cuts known as sequestration took effect, requiring federal agencies to cut $85 billion between now and the end of the fiscal year in September.

An AIA analysis released in October found that sequestration could reduce federal spending on design and construction by more than $2 billion, with potential job losses in the industry of up to 60,000.

As agencies begin to outline their plans to reduce spending, the AIA is tracking how those reductions will impact programs that relate to the built environment. This list will be updated as agencies make more information available.

Commerce. The Commerce Department has indicated that the National Institute of Standards and Technology will reduce grants, contracts, and equipment purchase, and defer maintenance and repair of NIST facilities.

Defense. The Pentagon has announced that the majority of its 780,000 civilian employees will be furloughed for up to 22 days this fiscal year.

EPA. The Environmental protection Agency has indicated that it may need to furlough its employees for up to 13 days between April and September.

HUD. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced that it will close on seven days between May and September, and approximately 9000 employees at its DC headquarters and all 80 field offices will be furloughed on those days.

National Park Service. The Service has indicated that it will close or reduce the hours of visitors centers and reducing spending on park maintenance.

Smithsonian. The Smithsonian Institution has said that it will defer maintenance and repairs on facilities instead of furloughing employees.

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This content is published by the AIA Government and Community Relations Department, 1735 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20006. To contact the AIA’s Government & Community Relations team, send an email to govaffs@aia.org.