FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nance Construction’s Walter Rasby Advocates for Federal Property Reform in Washington, D.C.
GASTONIA, NC – Walter Rasby, Business Development Manager at Nance Construction, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate on behalf of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), joining a group of facility management professionals to meet with congressional members. Their mission: to address Federal and Public Property Reform and the importance of better building utilization and air quality in government and public facilities. As an Associate Member of IFMA, Nance Construction is deeply invested in working with facility managers to provide essential services and project management that improve the efficiency and functionality of public spaces.
The U.S. Government, as the largest property owner in the country, currently has a utilization rate of less than 30% of many of its buildings. Many government facilities remain underused, inefficient, and poorly maintained. As a key advocate for change, IFMA has pushed for reforms that would not only make federal and public properties more efficient but also safer and healthier for the people who use them.
One of the most pressing issues being discussed is the Airborne Act of 2024 (HR 9000). This critical piece of legislation aims to establish higher standards for air quality in government and public buildings, addressing lessons learned from recent global health crises. The Act proposes measures that would make government and public properties more resilient to airborne diseases by upgrading HVAC systems and incorporating advanced air filtration technologies. The goal is to reduce the transmission of viruses and other contaminants, thereby protecting employees and the public who frequent these spaces.
Walter Rasby’s role in these discussions highlights Nance Construction’s commitment to contributing to meaningful change in public property management. “In this day and time of political divisiveness, Nance is proud to work with all sides to create better building environments,” said Rasby. “The Airborne Act of 2024 is just one example of how we can use our industry expertise to advocate for healthier, more efficient spaces in government buildings.”
Rasby’s trip was part of a larger initiative led by IFMA’s Advocacy Sub-Committee, of which he is a member. IFMA, the world’s largest facility management association, represents over 20,000 professionals who manage more than 37 billion square feet of property globally. Their advocacy efforts focus on promoting standards that improve the functionality, sustainability, and overall quality of facilities across all sectors. IFMA’s collaboration with Congress on issues like the Federal Property Reform Act is a reflection of its commitment to pushing for policies that make better use of the government’s vast property portfolio.
During the visit, Rasby was joined by other key figures in the facility management industry, including Don Gilpin, President and CEO of IFMA, and Dallas Schwerin, IFMA-Charlotte Treasurer and Advocacy Subcommittee Chair. Together, they met with NC Congressman David Rouzer, representing North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District, to discuss the pressing need for improved property utilization and air quality standards in federal buildings.
Nance Construction’s participation in this advocacy trip underscores its leadership in the industry and its dedication to creating healthier and more efficient spaces. As federal property reform continues to gain traction in Washington, Nance Construction looks forward to supporting initiatives that improve public buildings while enhancing safety and sustainability for all.
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