June | 2025

BOMA/GLA is committed to keeping our members informed, engaged, and empowered to influence the policies affecting commercial real estate.



In June, our policy committees, advocacy efforts, and educational programs delivered vital resources and insights, equipping members to effectively navigate regulatory updates and emerging industry challenges. 

Legislative Victory

✊ SB 789 through the joint efforts of our coalition partners, has been defeated. This bill would have mandated commercial property owners to report vacancy information to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, with penalties for noncompliance. It had initially included a costly $5 per square foot vacancy tax on spaces vacant for more than 182 days. 

Our Government Affairs Committee also has their sights on:

Opposing AB 380 — This bill imposes strict rent limits and penalties on commercial properties during emergencies, which could hinder property owners’ ability to recover financially and delay economic rebound efforts.

Supporting AB 698 — This bill ensures that policies like Measure ULA undergo thorough analysis before adoption. It requires cities to publish a detailed study of any proposed transfer tax on their websites, highlighting potential impacts—such as the significant negative effects on commercial real estate.

Supporting SB 630 and AB 1138 — These bills aim to strengthen California’s film tax credit program, which is vital for retaining film production jobs and driving economic investment in the greater Hollywood area. This directly benefits commercial property owners and operators by supporting local industry growth. 

Our six active Regional Councils continue to drive grassroots advocacy, facilitate peer collaboration, and serve as platforms for members to raise local issues. 

Downtown Los Angeles Power Hour

Our Downtown Los Angeles Regional Council hosted an informative Power Hour that discussed public safety in DTLA and how homeless service providers and businesses are preparing for return-to-work increases. Panelists include Suzanne Holley, President and CEO of the DTLA Alliance and Downtown Center Improvement District (BID), and Michael N. Henderson, Major Gifts Officer with The People Concern. 

Westside Power Hour

Our Westside Regional Council Power Hour covered Palisades Fire Relief, focusing on insights from leasing and property management perspectives.

Sustainability: Vice President of Sustainability at Kilroy Realty, presented the company’s 2024 Sustainability Report. Showcasing their carbon neutrality, emission reductions, expanded solar capacity, and 2030 environmental goals driving industry best practices.

Codes & Regulations: Hear the latest updates from Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena at the committee’s next policy briefing. Register here. Plus, get key insights from LADBS and LAFD on code and safety regulations.

Property Technology: Looking to understand how AI can help the CRE industry? Stay tuned for upcoming Property Technology policy briefings.

Security and Emergency Preparedness: Learn from LAPD how to prepare for protests, terror threats, and bomb scares, and find out what LA’s new public safety budget means for commercial real estate. Register here. 

The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is actively tracking legislation and mobilizing member engagement around key policy areas impacting CRE:

• Legislation to streamline building plan checks 
• Reforms to mitigate Measure ULA’s financial burden on property owners 
• Regulatory updates affecting warehouses and energy standards 
• Vacancy tax initiatives

Councilmember John Lee’s office shared updates on LA’s $1 billion budget gap, including proposed cuts to public safety, fewer cleaning teams, and changes to homeless services and pensions.

GAC Chair Marina Martos met with LADBS to share permitting concerns and suggestions, which are being reviewed. She and BOMA/GLA advocacy staff also received updates on Los Angeles Mayor’s Executive Order 6, which has created a pilot program that lets licensed professionals self-certify plans to speed up the rebuilding of homes damaged by the January wildfires.

This has temporarily taken priority over Councilmember Raman’s self-certification motion, which would allow licensed architects and engineers to bypass plan checks by certifying that their projects meet all building and zoning codes. The goal is to reduce the backlog of residential projects. Which, in turn, would shorten wait times for commercial approvals.

BOMA/GLA advocacy staff also met with Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Hugo Soto-Martinez to discuss that self-cert motion, public safety in DTLA and Hollywood, and broader concerns across the city.

Experience an unforgettable summer night with BOMA/GLA at the Hollywood Bowl. Enjoy dinner, networking, a live performance by legendary band Chicago, and a fireworks finale - all while supporting our advocacy efforts through this vital PAC fundraiser! 

BOMA/GLA is advancing policies that strengthen the industry and support our members. Here's how we’re translating our advocacy priorities into meaningful action:

Addressing Homelessness Through Economic Development

Supporting SB 630 and AB 1138 can help strengthen California’s film tax credit program, which creates jobs and brings investment to Hollywood. This also fits with our work on homelessness by supporting a stable economy that helps property owners and operators. For example, growing the economy helps create housing and services to address homelessness in those areas.

READ: Hollywood/Wilshire Regional Council Showcases Entertainment Industry’s Role in Local CRE 

BOMA/GLA’s advocacy remains strong and focused on delivering real solutions for commercial property owners and managers.

Stay informed and engaged by following BOMA on the Frontline and participating in upcoming policy briefings, regional roundtables, power hours, and other advocacy events.

Stay informed about the latest advocacy developments and opportunities to take action.