Director Missy Ann Giles of the Department of Administration told the subcommittee the agency has analyzed post‑pandemic remote‑work patterns and is using the findings to reshape state office space and address a large deferred‑maintenance backlog on the Capital Complex.

Why it matters: The department said it is balancing two priorities: collapsing leased office space by assigning flexible workstations based on employee duties and clearing an $80 million deferred‑maintenance backlog across several Capitol Complex buildings, including Cogswell, Mitchell, Walt Sullivan and Metcalf.

Giles described a data‑driven remote‑work study that surveyed employees and managers to determine telework eligibility and typical days in office. The analysis found most eligible employees would telework two to three days per week; those patterns inform how many physical seats the state needs and where leased space can be reduced. The administration previously sought seed funding and has since obtained appropriations to start renovations; the governor’s budget requests additional funds to continue.

On deferred maintenance, the director told the committee the state faces multiple failing systems—HVAC, electrical and structural items—and that projects are targeted to allow agencies to vacate external leases and consolidate into the Capital Complex where feasible. Giles said the state is prioritizing work that will permit permanent lease reductions and improve building performance.

What’s next: The department will continue phased renovations on priority buildings, provide schedules and project‑level deferred‑maintenance estimates on request, and coordinate with the budget office about appropriation use.