Policy Pulse: Your Voice in Action

Policy news & updates

May | 2025

May means California budget revisions are here. Governor Newsom unveiled a $16 billion state budget deficit, which compounds the bad news locally as LA County is also facing a minor deficit, and the City of Los Angeles is looking at a $1 billion dollar shortfall. All of this means some politicians will think it's time to raise taxes. BOMA stands in the breach with our coalition partners to defend commercial real estate. We’ve been reaching out to each LA City Council office – reminding them of how important public safety remains for the resurgence of Hollywood, Downtown LA, and Downtowns across LA County, which at its heart comprises commercial real estate.

We were grateful to be part of the coalition that helped revise SB 789 (commercial vacancy tax). This bill would have levied a $5/ sq. ft tax on EVERY commercial development in California. This tax has been removed from the bill – but it moves forward as a registry request. We still stand in firm opposition.

Our Government Affairs Committee leadership has kept BOMA/GLA on the frontlines of the fight, voting to support AB 698, which would ensure property transfer taxes would have to be properly studied and the information would have to be readily available to voters prior to passage in any given municipality in California. This approach stands in stark contrast to Measure ULA – which made big, unsubstantiated promises to voters in Los Angeles.

To keep certification processes moving quickly, we’re championing self-certification motions in LA, Santa Monica, and El Segundo.

As the 2026 elections fast approach, help us defend our industry by supporting the BOMA/GLA PAC today! And be sure to join us at BOMA at the Bowl on Friday, September 12.

KEEPING MEMBERS AT THE FOREFRONT

BOMA/GLA remains steadfast in ensuring our members are informed, engaged, and empowered to shape the policies that impact commercial real estate.

Throughout May, our policy committees, advocacy initiatives, and educational programming have provided essential tools and insights to help members navigate regulatory changes and emerging challenges.

MEMBER TESTIMONIAL

“As Vice Chair of BOMA/GLA’s Government Affairs Committee, I’m extremely proud of the proactive and important work we’ve done this year - tracking and expressing support for critical legislation, engaging with city and county agencies, and ensuring our members’ voices are heard on the issues that matter most. From advocating for plan check reforms to pushing back on the disastrous impacts of Measure ULA, our committee is making a real difference for the commercial real estate industry. We also benefit from the lived professional experience of each of our committee members, so if you’re looking for a way to make a real impact, join us for a meeting!”

John Duggan

Duggan & Associates, Inc.

LEGISLATION TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Our Government Affairs and Political Action Committees have their sights on a few bills. Our BOMA/GLA Board of Directors have voted to:

Support AB 698 to make sure a policy like Measure ULA is well studied ahead of time before it’s adopted. It would require any city to post a study of a proposed transfer tax on their website. For example, the significantly negative impact it would have on commercial real estate.

Support SB 630 and AB 1138 to strengthen California’s film tax credit program, helping retain film production jobs and economic investment in the greater Hollywood area which directly benefits commercial real estate owners and operators.

Oppose SB 789 which would require commercial properties to report vacancy details to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Penalties will be given to properties that don’t comply. This bill used to propose a $5 per sq. ft. vacancy tax on vacant spaces of more than 182 days, but our coalition with the California Business Properties Association rallied to get that out of the bill.

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:

Streamlining Permitting & Regulations

Goal: Reduce red tape and accelerate project timelines. We’re advocating for self-certification in El Segundo, Santa Monica, and the City of Los Angeles.

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

ROUNDTABLES

Hollywood/Wilshire Regional Roundtable

The Hollywood/Wilshire Regional Council hosted a panel discussion on the importance of the entertainment industry for commercial real estate in the greater Hollywood area.

The panel was graciously hosted by Kilroy Realty at their Columbia Square property and moderated by Hollywood Regional Council Chair Joseph Mariani of Bardas.

Over a dozen high profile commercial real estate professionals from the Hollywood region heard about the Hollywood Film Tax Credit bills (SB 630 and AB 1138) championed by Asm. Isaac Bryan, Asm. Zbur, and Senator Ben Allen.

POWER HOURS

Long Beach/South Bay Power Hour

El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel and El Segundo Lt. Luke Muir joined our Long Beach/South Bay Regional Council to discuss public safety and the PATCHES program.

Northeast Power Hour

The Northeast Regional Council hosted a virtual panel discussion featuring property tax experts from Ryan LLC, and Hunton. They learned how the Prop 8 Tax Appeal process works and what portion of the refund may be owed to tenants based on their lease recovery language.

POLICY COMMITTEES

Sustainability: IRS Demo gave a presentation on Universal Waste Recycling and how the City of Los Angeles is not compliant with current California Building Code.

Codes & Regulations: HCI Systems shared with us their expert experience in Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) Replacements. Our Codes Seminar then built on that conversation with a panel of experts, including LAFD, to talk about the all the phases of a FACP replacement. Helping our members stay ahead of fire and life safety challenges.

Proptech: Montgomery Technologies spoke on the importance of building cybersecurity and a dedicated base building network.

JOIN A COMMITTEE

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

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

They also heard from The People Concern’s CEO, John Maceri, in April regarding the changes we’re seeing across Los Angeles County when it comes to homeless services. Most glaringly, the collapse of leadership at LAHSA.

Our Government Affairs Committee Chair Marina Martos met with sr. Advisors at LADBS where she raised concerns about the permitting process and made suggested modifications which are now under consideration. We also heard LADBS is prioritizing Executive Order 6 – but the report back on the self-certification motion from Councilmember Nithya Raman will be coming back to Council by the end of the Spring as well.

POLICTICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Experience an unforgettable summer night with BOMA/GLA at the Hollywood Bow l. 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!

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

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BOMA ON THE FRONTLINE

SB 789 Update: Vacancy Tax Dropped, Reporting Mandate Added

SB 789 (Menjivar; D–Van Nuys) no longer includes a vacancy tax but now requires commercial property owners to report vacancy data—introducing new compliance burdens that could significantly impact owners, managers, and tenants.

LA City Council Advances $30 Minimum Wage for Tourism Workers

Despite concerns over economic impacts, the LA City Council voted last year to begin drafting an ordinance to raise the minimum wage for airport and hotel workers to $30 by 2028.