The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced that its new headquarters will be built in Greenbelt, Maryland, surpassing a competing site in Virginia. The decision comes after years of planning and lobbying from Maryland officials, including Governor Wes Moore, who was instrumental in securing the relocation. The aging and deteriorating current headquarters in Washington, D.C., prompted the FBI to search for a new location over a decade ago, with Maryland and Virginia both vying for the opportunity.
Initially, the selection process favored a site near the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. However, a change in criteria in 2022 prioritized proximity to the Academy, which sparked complaints from Maryland officials, including former Governor Larry Hogan, who believed the process was unfair. Lawmakers from Virginia pushed for a location in Springfield, where the General Services Administration (GSA) already has a large facility.
Despite the initial focus on Quantico, the GSA ultimately selected Greenbelt, Maryland as the best site for the new FBI headquarters. According to a GSA spokesperson, Greenbelt was chosen because it offered the lowest cost to taxpayers, excellent transportation access for FBI employees and visitors, and a reliable project delivery schedule. Additionally, the site showed the highest potential for sustainability and equity, which was an important consideration for the GSA.
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who was part of the delegation advocating for a location in her county, expressed her belief that a site in Prince George’s County was the better choice due to its cost-effectiveness and the county’s diverse makeup.
GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan shared her excitement about building a state-of-the-art headquarters in Greenbelt. She thanked everyone involved in the comprehensive, multi-year effort that led to this important milestone.
The decision to build the new FBI headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland, has significant implications. It not only provides a much-needed upgrade for the FBI but also brings economic benefits to the chosen community. With construction set to begin in the near future, the new headquarters will serve as a modern hub for the FBI’s critical mission.
