Advocacy
Advocacy is at the heart of BOMA/GLA’s mission and activities. The Association works aggressively to promote the interests of our members by monitoring and advocating positions that enhance and protect the value of commercial real estate. Through our local public policy committees, BOMA/GLA provides important commentary and policy guidance to local, state and federal representatives.
Local
At the local level, BOMA/GLA’s members recently developed a standard for training security guards, provided input to business tax reform, modified Fire Department rules regulating fire/life safety equipment testing, and negotiated service contracts for janitorial and engineering workers.
The Association’s program to develop the BOMA/GLA Accredited Security Organization (ASO) won the BOMA International 2006 Local Association Government Affairs Award for a Single Issue.
Much of the work is performed through volunteer committees. These groups meet with public officials and provide technical input and real-life examples to guide the development of key legislation. BOMA/GLA’s public policy committees include:
For an Update on Current Local Issues Click Here
State
BOMA California, our statewide association comprised of all eight local BOMA associations, continues to increase in influence. Not only is BOMA California seen as the voice of commercial real estate in the state Capitol, we have won major victories at the Public Utilities Commission as well, saving millions of dollars for our members statewide.
Most recently, BOMA California hired a lobbying firm to monitor rulemaking in several regulatory agencies, including the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the California Building Standards Commission, in an effort to develop an “early warning system” for issues that could severely impact commercial real estate.
For an Update on Current State Issues Click Here
National
BOMA International has long been the watchdog for commercial real estate in Congress. Most recently, BOMA International provided thoughtful testimony on the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), argued for the continuation of the 15-year leasehold depreciation schedule, and provided input on legislation relating to global warming and sustainability, including bills providing rebates for the installation of energy-saving devices.
As at the state level, national regulatory bodies wield enormous influence over the development and operation of commercial buildings. BOMA International has two full-time staff dedicated to providing input to the model codes and standards development processes, whether for the International Building Code, the ASHRAE indoor air quality standards or the ADAAG accessibility standards.
For an Update on Current National Issues Click Here
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