Policy news & updates

July | 2025

Upcoming Advocacy / Regional Events


Northeast Happy Hour - 8/14


San Fernando Valley Regional Building Tour - 8/18


Sustainability Policy Briefing - 8/26


Security and Emergency Preparedness Policy Briefing - 8/29


Codes and Regulations Policy Briefing - 9/4


Property Technology Policy Briefing - 9/16


Sustainability Policy Briefing - 9/23

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Whether you’re engaging with our organization through happy hours, mixers, or informational policy briefings, please stay connected and up to date with us on social media or through our BOMA on the Frontline blog.

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE



While summer is traditionally a slower period for policy and advocacy, BOMA/GLA members have been staying active. Most recently, nearly 20 of our members attended a luncheon with LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman. The topic, of course, was public safety and the positive impacts we’re seeing from Prop 36, which passed in November 2024. Take a look at the slide deck shared by the DA’s office here.


Proposition 36 (2024) reclassified certain drug and theft crimes from misdemeanors to felonies. This shift has benefited LA’s commercial real estate sector by increasing demand for secured treatment centers, behavioral health facilities, and justice-related infrastructure - while also renewing urgency around public safety, a key factor influencing retail and office tenant decisions.


We also met with LA Councilmember Adrin Nazarian and celebrated a major win with the signing of the Hollywood Film Tax Credit legislation we supported. In April, we were proud to host a Hollywood Regional Roundtable on the topic for our members. BOMA/GLA supported the legislation as it moved through Sacramento and backed parallel efforts at the LA County and City levels to strengthen local Assembly and Senate initiatives and build a broad coalition of support.


As we move deeper into the summer, I hope you will join us for some fun August activities including a Northeast Happy Hour and a San Fernando Valley Regional Council Building Tour of the new NBC Universal building completed last year.


~ Chris Bowen

KEEPING MEMBERS AT THE FOREFRONT

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


Codes and Regulations Committee Chair Andy Hobbs and James McIntyre of DivcoWest spoke with Councilmember Nazarian’s office about the current state of commercial real estate and the challenges property managers are facing across Los Angeles.  


They emphasized the importance of streamlining permitting, ensuring public safety, and fostering job growth through responsible economic development. Both shared how the Councilmember’s roles on key committees could help shape policies that directly impact the commercial real estate sector. 

LEGISLATION TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Legislative Victory


Supporting SB 630 and AB 1138 - These bills expand California’s film tax credit to attract and retain production in the state, helping keep jobs and economic activity local. This supports demand for studio, office, and industrial space - benefiting commercial property owners in entertainment-driven areas.


Governor Newsom has signed the 2025–26 budget, which includes $750 million annually for the Film and Television Tax Credit Program - more than doubling the previous funding.


✊Defeating SB 789 - Thanks to strong coalition advocacy, this harmful vacancy reporting bill was stopped. It would have burdened commercial property owners with reporting mandates and opened the door to costly vacancy taxes. 

Our Government Affairs Committee also has their sights on:


Opposing AB 380 - If passed, this bill would impose rent caps and penalties on commercial leases during declared emergencies. It threatens the flexibility property owners need to negotiate leases and recover financially after disasters or market disruptions.


Status: It passed the Assembly and cleared the Senate Public Safety Committee, and now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee.


Supporting AB 698 - mandates that cities publicly post a detailed economic analysis before adopting new real estate transfer taxes like Measure ULA. This would help improve transparency and allow commercial real estate professionals to assess how these taxes may affect transactions and asset values.

 

Status: It has passed the Assembly and moves over to the Senate! 

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

POWER HOURS

Northeast Happy Hour


Please register for our upcoming Northeast happy hour on August 14 featuring speakers from Glendale and Burbank’s community development departments as well as a representative from Los Angeles Council District 2 (Councilmember Adrin Nazarian from the Toluca Lake & North Hollywood area).  

San Fernando Valley Regions Building Tour


We are happy to have a building tour of NBC Universal on August 18 to showcase a revitalized focus on California’s entertainment industry.

POLICY COMMITTEES

Our Sustainability Committee heard from Leading Edge Consulting Services on practical steps we can take together to implement and accomplish effective ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting in our industry.


Codes and Regulations Committee showcased the Northeast LA region with updates from multiple city officials on permitting trends, timelines, and services to help our members.


At our Property Technology Committee, members explored how AI tools can streamline operations, cut costs, and enhance tenant satisfaction. These innovations offer practical ways to create amenity-rich environments that increase property value and market competitiveness.


Our Security and Emergency Preparedness Committee learned from LAPD on how to prepare for protests, acts of terror, and bomb threats at their properties. As well as what the new LA City public safety budget means for the commercial real estate industry.


Register here for the committee’s Active Shooter Awareness Training. 

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

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

  • concerns over commercial rent control proposals 
  • backing research on property transfer taxes  
  • efforts to streamline the building plan approval process 
  • vacancy tax initiatives


California Business Properties Association shared the negative impacts AB 380’s commercial rent control can have on the industry with our members. 


BOMA/GLA advocacy staff also met with the key LA offices. Including office of Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and office of Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez, Monica Rodriguez, Hugo Soto-Martinez, Heather Hutt and the Mayor’s office to discuss a self-cert motion, public safety, and broader concerns across the city. 

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

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! 

PRIORITIES IN ACTION

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  

We supported expanding California’s film and television tax credit to keep production - and jobs—local. Governor Newsom included this expansion in the state budget, doubling funding to $750 million annually. A stronger entertainment sector boosts demand for commercial space and supports economic growth—creating more resources to address homelessness through housing and services. 


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

LOOKING AHEAD

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

UPCOMING EVENTS
BOMA ON THE FRONTLINE

AB 698: A Safeguard Against Measure ULA-Style Damage in Other Cities 


Measure ULA (LA transfer tax) ended up slowing property sales, driving away investment, and raising less money than expected. AB 698 would help prevent this in other cities by requiring a public report before any new transfer tax is proposed, making sure decisions are based on facts and real impacts.


READ MORE

Governor Newsom Signs Budget: What It Could Mean for the CRE Industry

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the state budget that promises to invest in housing, education, health care, and public safety.


READ MORE

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