Policy news & updates

September | 2025

Upcoming Advocacy / Regional Events


Sustainability Policy Briefing - 10/28


Security and Emergency Preparedness Policy Briefing - 10/31


Codes and Regulations Policy Briefing - 11/6


Westside Power Hour - 11/6


Property Technology Policy Briefing - 11/18

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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.

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BOMA/GLA Advocacy Update: Protecting and Advancing Commercial Real Estate

Over the past month we saw a true appetite for reforming disastrous Measure ULA (property transfer tax) in SB 423. With the support of our allies at CBPA and NAIOP-SoCal, BOMA/GLA was instrumental in preventing Measure ULA revisions that did not include class A commercial real estate. Without our collective voice this bill likely would have passed, and it would have cemented bad policy and locked us into positions that are extremely unfavorable for future property transfer taxes across Los Angeles County and the state. Special thanks to our Government Affairs Committee, whose swift feedback strengthened our advocacy messaging. 

Also in September, we were thrilled to raise critical dollars for our Political Action Committee (BOMA/GLA PAC) at our marquee annual fundraising event – BOMA at the Bowl. Because of your support of the PAC, we are able to fund candidates and causes that reflect the vision of a safe urban core that we all share.

Please join us for our next Government Affairs Committee meeting this week as we review new position papers on immigration and adaptive reuse! 

~ Christopher Bowen, Director of Government and Public Affairs

KEEPING MEMBERS AT THE FOREFRONT

We had a fantastic evening at BOMA at the Bowl, joined by special guests Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto.


This event was more than just great conversations—it was about investing in the future of our industry. By raising critical funds for the BOMA/GLA PAC, we are ensuring that commercial real estate has the resources to:



  • Defend against harmful policies that threaten our industry 
  • Support and elect officials who understand our work and partner on proactive solutions
    

Engagement with policymakers like Councilmember Rodriguez and City Attorney Feldstein Soto highlights the importance of this effort. Thank you to everyone who supported and invested in the PAC - together, we are making sure the voice of commercial real estate remains strong and impactful. 

LEGISLATION

2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up

BOMA California tracked over 400 bills this year, directly engaging on more than 200. The session brought both major victories and proactive solutions for the commercial real estate industry:


✊ Stopped Harmful Proposals - Defeated a statewide vacancy tax (SB 789), commercial rent control (AB 380), and a sweeping rent control expansion (AB 1157). Commercial provisions were also removed from multiple leasing mandate bills.


✊ AB 98 Fix - Secured 16 key fixes to last year’s flawed warehouse bill, reducing litigation risks and protecting jobs.


✊ Building Code Pause - Won a three-year pause on costly commercial code updates, saving owners 3–6% in compliance costs and providing predictability.


✅ Proactive Wins -Sponsored AB 1384 (unlawful detainer clarification) now on the Governor’s desk, supported $100M in Prop 36 retail theft funding, backed AB 226 (FAIR Plan insurance reform), and AB 417 (economic development financing).


👀 Issues Ahead - Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) rules remain unresolved and could undermine CEQA reform benefits. Bills like SB 79 (industrial-to-residential conflicts) and SB 352 (new Environmental Justice Bureau) sit on the Governor’s desk and will be closely watched.


BOMA/GLA is proud to support BOMA California and its coalition partners in these efforts, ensuring our members are protected from harmful policies and positioned to thrive in the years ahead.


View BOMA California’s completed wrap-up here.

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

LONG BEACH / SOUTH BAY

Long Beach/South Bay Members Engage with City Leadership on 2028 Olympics 


BOMA/GLA members recently met with the Long Beach City Manager’s Office to provide input on Olympic preparations and ensure the commercial real estate industry’s priorities are considered. Long Beach will host events across 17 of the 18 Olympic days, drawing millions of visitors and global attention. Planning is underway with LA28 on venues, services, and readiness exercises through 2027, with a focus on safety, equity, and lasting community benefits. Our engagement ensures members have a voice in how this international event will affect properties, tenants, and operations, while exploring opportunities for CRE to play a role in activations and long-term legacy projects.

POLICY COMMITTEES

Our Sustainability Committee heard from Infinite Circulation Inc., who covered Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, examining their pros and cons compared to traditional chilled water systems. We also discussed how they stacked up on energy efficiency and what property teams should consider when choosing between the two. 

Codes and Regulations Committee’s goal has been looking into how we can have access to info and a quick turn around with LADBS. Our committee received adaptive reuse updates from the Los Angeles City Planning Department, and the Mayor’s Office shared their perspective as well. 

Capgemini joined our Property Technology Committee to showcase practical tools that help property professionals unlock the full potential of AI in their daily work. The presentation highlighted how solutions like Microsoft Copilot could streamline tasks, boost productivity, and simplify decision-making. Attendees left with actionable insights and cheat sheets to put these tools to work right away. 

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is actively drafting policy positions on issues that affect commercial real estate, including adaptive reuse and immigration, while engaging with Los Angeles City and County leaders to ensure our industry’s priorities are heard.


As part of this work, GAC is brainstorming BOMA/GLA’s approach to these topics. Ideas under discussion include protecting Class A offices while focusing reuse incentives on older buildings, and ensuring policies don’t force managers to act beyond the law or disrupt building operations.


Engagement with Leadership 

Following successful meetings with most LA Citywide & City Council offices, GAC is now reaching out to all LA County Supervisors. These discussions allow us to share CRE priorities, provide guidance, and serve as a resource to city and county offices.



BOMA/GLA remains committed to safeguarding Los Angeles’ commercial backbone while helping policymakers make informed decisions that support a strong, stable, and vibrant business environment. 

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Your Support Defends CRE and Drives Change


Thank you to everyone who joined us at BOMA at the Bowl, with special guests Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. Your support of the BOMA/GLA PAC helps us defend against harmful policies and elect officials who understand and advance the needs of the commercial real estate industry. 

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:

Priorities in Action: Olympics-Centered Initiatives 

BOMA/GLA is putting commercial real estate at the center of Los Angeles’ 2028 Olympics. We’re collaborating with city leaders to protect property interests, streamline operations, and bring CRE expertise to public activation and legacy projects.  


Our regional councils are on the frontlines - elevating Olympic issues, supporting readiness exercises, and helping shape industry-led security and parking solutions. 


Through strategic partnerships with stakeholders, owners, tenants, and officials, we keep members connected to real-time updates and advocacy opportunities.  


By championing the Olympics, BOMA/GLA is building stronger coalitions, expanding communications, and advancing policies that benefit our industry now and for the future—showcasing the power of commercial real estate in Los Angeles’ global moment. 

Read more here.

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 advocacy events.


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

UPCOMING EVENTS
BOMA ON THE FRONTLINE

BOMA/GLA Advocates for Industrywide Solutions to Measure ULA 

In the final week of the session, Sacramento lawmakers floated a deal on SB 423 that would have eased Measure ULA taxes for some apartments but left commercial properties with no relief. The bill ultimately did not move forward, but the effort signals what may return next year.

READ MORE

BOMA/GLA Members Take CRE Priorities to the State Capitol

BOMA/GLA and industry partners traveled to Sacramento for the California Commercial Real Estate Summit, connecting with state leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead for our industry.

READ MORE

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