# Forest Service Eases Administrative Site Leasing

The U.S. Forest Service finalized a rule reclassifying administrative site leasing as a non-special-use activity, giving the agency more flexibility to lease eligible sites under existing statutory authorities. The change could support future housing development and real estate leasing in rural communities, but it does not establish new leasing authority or identify specific sites, solicitations, or contracts.

- Rural housing developers and real estate firms can assess whether future leasing of eligible Forest Service administrative sites may fit their business plans; no specific opportunity is currently identified in the announcement.
- Procurement professionals should distinguish the procedural change from a new funding or acquisition program: the rule increases flexibility within existing authorities, rather than announcing a contract or solicitation.
- The Rural Housing Service characterized underused federal administrative sites as a potential tool for expanding rural affordable housing, indicating a possible area for future interagency collaboration.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** October 31, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Rural Housing Service (RHS)

### Key Quotes
> By removing outdated regulatory barriers, we can manage the Administrative Site Leasing Program more efficiently, reduce unnecessary burdens and make better use of existing authorities.
> — Tom Schultz, Forest Service Chief

> Unlocking underutilized federal administrative sites gives USDA a vital tool to expand affordable housing options across rural communities.
> — George Kelly, Rural Housing Service Administrator

### Sources
- [Forest Service finalizes Administrative Site Leasing rule to reduce regulatory barriers and improve leasing flexibility | US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/newsroom/releases/forest-service-finalizes-administrative-site-leasing-rule-reduce) - USDA