Housing Allowance Under Consideration for FBI Agents in Pricey Cities
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents who live and work in some of the nation’s priciest cities, are being shut out of the housing market, as housing costs skyrocket.
FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) President Natalie Bara told NPR that housing prices are forcing agents in pricey areas to share apartments, cut down on groceries, or become extreme commuters.
"They're having to juggle being able to afford rent and/or utilities versus being able to actually buy groceries, so it's getting to a level where it's becoming very, very difficult to not only recruit agents into these high cost of living areas, but also retain them in those areas,” said Bara.
For example, the starting salary for an FBI agent in New York City is $73,000. According to a nonprofit group, an individual needs to make at least $100,000 to afford the basics in New York, while $150,000 is needed for a family of four.
In addition, a survey conducted in 2023 found that two-thirds of agents who live in high-priced markets find it difficult to live on their FBI salary.
And agents do not have a choice where their assignment is, once hitting the field.
Push for Housing Allowance
Given that, and the obvious implications for recruitment and retention, the FBI Agents Association is pushing for change.
The organization wants the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include $165 million in its FY 2025 budget to pay for a pilot program to assist FBI agents with housing costs in certain areas like New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Honolulu, Newark, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.
The FBIAA has also met with DOJ and FBI leaders to discuss its concerns.
For its part, the Bureau tells NPR it’s been reviewing the issue since 2021, analyzing the pay scale and comparing public and private sector salaries.
"We are looking for a more permanent, sustainable solution for all individuals within these high-cost field offices," said FBI Resource Planning Office Assistant Director Caroline Otto.
Assistant Attorney General for Administration Jolene Lauria said DOJ supports the FBI’s work on housing and is trying to “identify achievable and sustainable strategies that support our people in the field” but adds that Congressional action is necessary.
“The Department is ready and willing to work with Congress on more permanent solutions,” said Assistant Attorney General Lauria.