HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro administration on Thursday cut the ribbon on a sweeping renovation of Forum Place, unveiling a modernized workspace officials say will accelerate Pennsylvania’s statewide effort to shrink its real-estate footprint, boost efficiency, and save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.
The redesigned Office of the Budget workspaces mark one of the largest undertakings yet within the state’s Space Optimization & Utilization Project — known as SOUP — which received its first dedicated statewide funding in the 2025-26 budget. The appropriation includes more than $15 million to modernize government facilities, reduce leased space, and establish long-term standards for flexible, technology-forward workplaces.
“This budget gives us the tools to modernize state government at scale,” Budget Secretary Uri Monson said at the event. “With dedicated SOUP funding, we can accelerate projects like this one at Forum Place, replacing outdated and inefficient space with modern workplaces that support flexibility, collaboration, and provide better service to Pennsylvanians.”
The Forum Place overhaul spans roughly 150,000 square feet across 12 agencies and is being held up as the new template for state office design. The renovation features a 60 percent improvement in square footage per seat — from 315 to 195 — increasing occupancy capacity. Officials also reported faster design timelines, upgraded hybrid meeting spaces, improved technology standards, concierge-style relocation support, and a 14-month delivery period that beat industry benchmarks.
DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil said the project builds on earlier modernization work at the 503 North Office Building. “Consistent design, smarter use of space, and agency partnership can deliver real value for taxpayers while creating the contemporary workplaces our employees deserve,” he said.
According to the Department of General Services, SOUP initiatives completed in fiscal year 2024-25 reduced the state’s real-estate footprint by more than 103,000 square feet and delivered over $3.5 million in lease savings — nearly doubling the agency’s original target. This year, DGS is on track to save more than $6 million.
State workforce trends reflect broader shifts. New data shows a 56 percent increase in the number of employees in Dauphin County working in the office at least three days a week, while 63 percent of Commonwealth employees now report to a worksite full-time. Fewer than 1.5 percent telework full-time, down from 9 percent at the start of the Shapiro administration.
Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver emphasized the workplace transformation’s role in attracting and retaining talent. “Modern, flexible offices like this one send a clear message that Pennsylvania state government is investing in its people and workplaces to deliver results,” he said.
With an estimated $180 million in lease savings projected over the next decade, officials say Forum Place is expected to serve as a statewide model as SOUP-funded modernization projects expand across Pennsylvania.
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