(Washington, DC) – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has issued a Mayoral Order to change the name of the District of Columbia Office of Property Management (“OPM”) to the District Department of Real Estate Services (“DRES”).

“When it comes to building facilities, managing our real estate portfolio and keeping our properties clean and safe – this is a full service department,” said Mayor Fenty. “Property management is only part of the job and the department’s name need to reflect that.”

The agency employs over 300 staff and oversees $300 million in real estate and energy expenditures. The term “property management” ordinarily refers to day-to-day management activities such as janitorial services and building repairs. However, these services represented only 30 percent of the operating budget for the agency in Fiscal Year 2009.

“Given the breadth of the agency activities and the high degree of professionalism displayed by staff in their respective areas of expertise, it is only appropriate that the true scope and nature of the agency’s undertakings be reflected in the agency name,” said Department of Real Estate Services Director Robin-Eve Jasper.

The name change will officially take effect August 1, 2009.

In addition to day-to-day management, the wide-ranging portfolio of the Department of Real Estate Services includes:

Implementation of Major Capital Projects
The value of major capital projects over the current six-year capital budget period is $785 million and includes a variety of projects such as: the reconstruction of the District’s historic Eastern Market, design and construction of the new Consolidated Forensic Laboratory, design and construction of the new Department of Employment Services headquarters, and the construction of various other facilities including wellness centers, a new MPD property and evidence warehouse, Child Advocacy Center, and the New Beginnings Youth Development Center.

Construction Procurement
In May 2009, the agency took over vertical construction procurement for almost all District agencies.

Strategic Management and Financial Planning
The agency provides strategic management and financial planning for the District’s portfolio of over 18 million square feet of owned space and 3.5 million square feet of leased space.

Protective Services
The agency’s Protective Services Division provides security and physical protection of District personnel, elected officials, and the public in owned and leased spaces.

Media Contacts

• Sean Madigan, (202) 615-2029

• Feras Sleiman, (202) 251-8829