GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under the Trump administration, has recommended terminating the lease for a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Green Bay as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce government spending.
The office, believed to be located at 1561 Dousman Street, is the only SSA office currently listed in Green Bay, according to official records. While DOGE’s website does not confirm the exact address, it lists the termination as a “true termination for consolidation” and estimates savings of approximately $131,145 over a five-year period if the lease is not renewed.
Why Is the Green Bay SSA Office Targeted for Termination?
DOGE’s mission, initiated by President Trump, is aimed at cutting unnecessary government spending by consolidating federal operations and eliminating perceived redundancies. The proposed closure of the Green Bay SSA office would be part of a broader effort to streamline federal real estate holdings nationwide.
According to DOGE’s online “Real Estate” savings table:
- The Green Bay office is flagged for termination based on its projected lease cost over five years.
- The savings estimate is based on the assumption that services could be consolidated or relocated to nearby facilities.
However, there has been no public explanation from DOGE about how the services provided by this office would be maintained or whether they would be moved to another location within Green Bay or elsewhere in Wisconsin.
Other Federal Office Closures in Wisconsin
The Green Bay office isn’t the only government facility in Wisconsin under review for cost-cutting measures. DOGE has also recommended or finalized closures for other agencies across the state:
- Defense Contract Management Agency – Merrill: Office permanently closed.
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service – Madison: Office permanently closed.
- Department of Defense – Milwaukee: Office relocation to federal space to reduce leasing costs.
What Does This Mean for Green Bay Residents?
If the Green Bay SSA office is closed, residents could face:
- Longer travel times to access in-person Social Security services.
- Increased reliance on online services and phone support.
- Potential delays for seniors, disabled individuals, and others who rely on in-person assistance.
While many SSA services are available online, vulnerable groups such as elderly residents or those with disabilities often depend on face-to-face interactions for help with benefits, claims, and other issues.
Concerns Over Transparency and Impact
The lack of clarity from DOGE and the federal government regarding the closure’s impact on local communities has raised concerns among advocacy groups and lawmakers. Critics argue that:
- The consolidation process lacks transparency, with vague information on office closures and the reasoning behind them.
- The cost savings don’t account for the human impact, particularly in communities where in-person services are critical.
- Decisions are being made without public input or consideration of local needs.
Next Steps for Affected Residents
Residents who rely on the Green Bay SSA office should monitor updates from both DOGE and the Social Security Administration. In the meantime:
- Contact the SSA directly for clarification on how services will be provided if the closure goes through.
- Reach out to local representatives to express concerns or request more information about potential alternatives for in-person services.
