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Senator seeks Office of Technology's relocation to former chancery property

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 22:07 GMT by Pacific Daily News
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Senator Urges Move of Guam’s Office of Technology to Former Chancery Building

In a bid to modernize the Commonwealth’s technology infrastructure and cut costs, a Guam state senator has introduced a proposal to relocate the Office of Technology (OT) from its current, cramped headquarters to the vacant former chancery building located on the island’s central strip. The initiative, which has already begun to stir debate among lawmakers, civic leaders, and local residents, centers on the idea that a larger, more flexible space would better support the OT’s expanding mandate to improve digital services for Guam’s residents and businesses.

Why the Move Matters

The Office of Technology, which falls under the purview of the Guam Department of Business and Commerce, has been tasked with overseeing the development and maintenance of the island’s digital infrastructure, from broadband connectivity to data security protocols. In recent years, the OT has experienced significant growth—both in personnel and in the scope of its responsibilities—as the Commonwealth pushes forward with plans to become a “smart island” that leverages technology for economic development and improved public services.

“Guam’s current OT office is a cramped, single‑floor space that can’t accommodate the staff we need to keep the Commonwealth competitive in the 21st‑century economy,” the senator explained in a press statement. “By moving into the former chancery building, we can create a state‑of‑the‑art technology hub that will attract talent, support innovation, and reduce long‑term operational costs.”

The former chancery, a historically significant structure that once served as the Guam government’s diplomatic mission and administrative headquarters, sits on a 5‑acre parcel in the heart of the island’s commercial corridor. The building, which was constructed in the early 1970s, boasts a large, open‑floor plan and ample parking. Although the structure has been largely vacant since the chancery relocated to a newer facility in 2018, the property remains under government ownership and is currently listed on the market for public sale or lease.

Cost Savings and Economic Incentives

According to the senator’s brief, the proposed relocation could yield up to a 30% reduction in annual operating costs. This figure is based on the OT’s current rent and utility expenses, which amount to approximately $200,000 per year, and the projected lower costs associated with the former chancery’s larger, more energy‑efficient building. The senator also highlighted that the move would allow the Commonwealth to capitalize on tax incentives offered by the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) for companies investing in high‑tech infrastructure.

The senator’s proposal is further backed by an analysis conducted by the Commonwealth’s Office of Finance. The analysis found that the combined cost of renovating the chancery to meet modern IT standards would be under $1.5 million—far less than the projected $4 million the OT would face if it were to expand its current office through a rent‑increase strategy.

Stakeholder Reactions

The proposal has received mixed reactions. The Secretary of the Office of Technology, Ms. Liana Tovell, has expressed cautious support. “While we acknowledge the potential benefits of a larger facility, we must also consider the logistical challenges associated with moving a fully operational department,” she told a local news outlet. “Our staff’s productivity during the transition period is a primary concern.”

Other lawmakers have weighed in as well. Senator Alvaro P. Rodriguez, a member of the Finance Committee, praised the senator’s foresight. “If the numbers hold up, this is a smart use of our public resources,” he said. Senator Maria S. Santos, however, raised concerns about the environmental impact of refurbishing the chancery. “We need to ensure that any renovation complies with Guam’s sustainability standards,” she noted.

Community groups have also weighed in. The Guam Chamber of Commerce urged the Legislature to fast‑track the move, arguing that a modernized OT could attract more tech startups to the island. Conversely, a local heritage preservation organization has cautioned that the chancery’s architectural significance might be compromised by the proposed renovations.

Legislative Process

The senator has introduced a resolution that will be presented to the Guam Senate for a vote. The resolution calls for the appropriation of the necessary funds for the building’s refurbishment and for the OT’s relocation. It also includes a clause that requires a feasibility study to be completed within six months of the resolution’s adoption, ensuring that the proposed move is both technically and financially viable.

If the resolution passes, the next steps will involve a detailed project plan developed by the OT’s facilities management team, a contractor selection process for the refurbishment, and a carefully orchestrated relocation timeline that minimizes disruption to public services.

Looking Ahead

Should the move be approved, the former chancery could become a new focal point for Guam’s technology ecosystem, housing not only the Office of Technology but also other related agencies and private-sector partners. The senator envisions the site becoming a “digital innovation hub” that offers co‑working spaces, research labs, and training facilities for Guam’s workforce.

“We’re looking at a future where Guam is a leader in digital commerce and technology innovation in the Pacific,” the senator said. “This relocation is a critical step toward that vision.”

The debate is set to intensify over the coming weeks as the Guam Senate convenes to consider the resolution. With public hearings scheduled in the next two months, stakeholders will have the opportunity to voice their support, concerns, and suggestions for the proposed transformation of the former chancery into a high‑tech cornerstone for the Commonwealth.