Establishing District and State Offices

DO's...

• Do understand that setting up a district/state office is a difficult decision to reverse. Give it your full attention because closing an office in your first term can have political repercussions.

• Do weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using government vs. privately-owned space for your district/state offices. Consider location, accessibility, cost, square footage, and other factors when making your decisions.

• Do think creatively about how to best serve constituent needs. Part-time offices and mobile offices are alternatives to the traditional district/state office, and holding regular community and open office hours allows the Member to reach remote areas and constituents who might be unable to travel.

• Do make sure the first district/state office you open is adequately prepared. While it doesn’t need to be fully staffed or equipped, the office will need to handle an immediate onslaught of meetings, scheduling requests and questions about ongoing casework.

DON'Ts...

• Don't automatically decide to occupy your predecessor’s office(s). Consider how your needs and goals might necessitate a different city or a different space.

• Don't open more district/state offices than you need. Use the following criteria to determine the number to open:
  • size of district/state;
  • accessibility to constituents;
  • constituent expectations;
  • competing budget priorities;
  • urban/rural differences;
  • strategic importance of constituent services; and
  • staff hiring limitations.

• Don't make any long-term commitments without first seeking guidance and assistance from the Senate Sergeant at Arms’ State Office Operations or the Committee on House Administration and the House Administrative Counsel.

• Don't overlook the role of technology in increasing district/state effectiveness and efficiency.

Details

Copyright 2020, Congressional Management Foundation
Paperback/Softcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Congressional Management Foundation; 17^th edition (November 3, 2020)
ISBN: 978-1-930473-24-9
Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.25 inches

• Download the entire book in PDF: Setting Course: A Congressional Management Guide - 117th Congress Edition(2.6 MB)

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