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Evans Leads Bipartisan Effort to Keep 5,000 IRS Employees in West Philadelphia

January 8, 2024

Seven Pa. Members of Congress Call for Renewal Option on Cira Square Lease

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 8, 2024) – U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-3) is leading a bipartisan effort to keep about 5,000 IRS employees at the IRS Headquarters Service Center in West Philadelphia, next to a major regional transportation hub. 

Evans and six Southeastern Pennsylvania colleagues recently wrote to the U.S. General Services Administration about the issue. The GSA handles most federal office leases, including the IRS lease at Cira Square, 2970 Market St., across from William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. The co-signers are U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle (PA-2), Madeleine Dean (PA-4), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5) and Susan Wild (PA-7). 

“The repurposing of this historic Post Office facility has been vital to the economic development of West Philadelphia and the city at large,” Congressman Evans said. “The highly accessible location is also a benefit for workers and office visitors, and for cleaner air in the region by reducing the need for car commutes. I appreciate this strong show of support from my Southeastern Pennsylvania colleagues!” 

The letter from the seven members of Congress said, “We believe that both the Federal government and constituents in our districts have much at stake in seeing a continued presence from the IRS at Cira Square. 

“Creating and maintaining good jobs in Philadelphia is one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Boyle. “I’m proud that upwards of 5,000 jobs in Philadelphia are supported by IRS operations at Cira Square. I will do whatever I can to ensure these jobs remain in our city.” 

“The IRS Headquarters Service Center’s location in University City contributes to the local economy of West Philadelphia, and its proximity to the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station eases accessibility for federal workers across our region,” Congresswoman Dean said. “Renewing the IRS’s lease at Cira Square would ensure continuation of essential services — and beginning renewal discussions with GSA as soon as possible is in the best interest of the local community, IRS employees, and American taxpayers. I’m thankful for Congressman Evans’ leadership in this bipartisan effort.”  

"The presence of the IRS Headquarters Service Center in Philadelphia has created thousands of jobs," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "I am proud to join my Pennsylvania colleagues in urging the General Services Administration (GSA) to keep the IRS presence in Philadelphia."

The full two-page letter is available by clicking here. 

Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia.

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