Is It Time to Rethink Federal Agency Presence? Colorado Mesa University Sparks Debate on the Role of BLM in Washington, D.C.

Should federal agencies set up shop outside Washington, D.C.? This question will be at the heart of a debate in Grand Junction, Colorado, where the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) used to have its headquarters.

The discussion features William Perry Pendley, once the acting director of the BLM, and Mary Jo Rugwell, a retired BLM director from Wyoming. These debates take place at 5:30 PM on Tuesday at Colorado Mesa University, organized with the help of The Steamboat Institute.

Pendley argues that having agencies closer to the people they serve could be beneficial. He experienced this firsthand when he moved the BLM’s headquarters to Grand Junction in 2020. He noted that being physically present changed his perspective, especially during uncontrollable events like the Pine Gulch fire. Pendley explained that experiencing issues firsthand helps leaders understand the complexities of their work better.

On the other hand, Rugwell is skeptical. Leading the Public Lands Foundation, she opposes the idea of relocating offices due to potential risks. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” she warned. She contends that key decisions made in D.C. could be missed if leaders are working far from the action.

In her view, many BLM leaders have spent years in the field already. Moving them could lead to a loss of valuable experience and insight—a brain drain, as she puts it. Notably, many BLM veterans chose not to relocate to Grand Junction, which raised concerns about overall agency expertise being diluted.

There’s also the issue of continuity. Rugwell highlighted how shifting agency locations could lead to confusion and wasted resources—taxpayer money goes into these moves and can easily be undone by the next administration. This sentiment resonates with many who think this transition does not serve the public’s best interest.

Meanwhile, a recent survey by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions found that over 60% of respondents believe federal agencies should stay in urban areas for greater access to resources and networking opportunities. This underscores a significant sentiment among government officials and stakeholders.

The debate about relocating federal agencies like the BLM reflects larger questions about accessibility, efficiency, and resource management within the government. Both Pendley and Rugwell bring compelling arguments to the table, revealing just how complex this issue is.

With free tickets available and a live stream option, this debate promises to shed light on a topic that affects many in the American West and beyond.