March | 2025

A Recap on the Downtown Regional Roundtable



The Downtown Los Angeles Regional Council recently gathered for an engaging roundtable discussion and tour of Manulife Plaza at 515 S Figueroa Street, a premier office tower in the heart of Downtown LA.

The property features top-tier amenities (including the Bright Horizons Daycare Center), a refreshed lobby, and modern tenant spaces designed for productivity and collaboration.

Fast-Tracking Development: BOMA/GLA Supports LA’s Self-Certification Effort

BOMA/GLA Staff has been working closely with Councilmember Nithya Raman’s office (from the San Fernando Valley) on a Los Angeles self-certification motion. The program would streamline the permitting process for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

This initiative seeks to speed up approvals and cut delays while keeping buildings safe and up to code. The self-certification program would let licensed architects and engineers skip plan checks by certifying their projects follow all building and zoning codes. The program still requires stamped plans, and the city may do random inspections and audits. The City Council has directed the Department of Building and Safety and City Planning to report back within 30 days with recommendations based on similar programs in San Diego, Bellflower, and New York City.

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Tracking Santa Monica’s Policy Shift + Westside Happy Hour

The City of Santa Monica is considering a version of the self-certification motion that Los Angeles is also reviewing. We are keeping a close eye on their progress.

The Westside Regional Council will be hosting a Happy Hour on Tuesday, April 15, please RSVP to learn more about what is happening and network with commercial real estate colleagues from across the westside.

Advocating for Hollywood: Film Tax Credits & A Regional Roundtable

Our Hollywood/Wilshire area is taking a close look at the Hollywood Film Tax Credit bills authored by Senator Ben Allen and Assemblymembers Zbur and Bryan in the Assembly. We will likely take positions on these bills in the near future.

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We will also be hosting a Regional Roundtable on April 29 to discuss these and other items further.

El Segundo Explores Streamlined Permitting

Our Government Affairs Committee leaders Marina Martos Dabel (Kilroy) and Nathan Morales (Cushman & Wakefield) met with El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimental, the City Manager and Senior Planner to discuss the importance of a speedy plan check with an emphasis on the self-certification process in February.

While full self-certification is still in the works, El Segundo continues to lead the County for their business friendly practices and are open to modifying existing processes to expedite construction timelines. While the meeting marked the beginning of an ongoing dialogue between BOMA/GLA and El Segundo leadership, the City is exploring ways to streamline the permitting process below the average 2-3 weeks where it currently sits.

A Recap on the Long Beach Regional Roundtable

The Long Beach/South Bay Regional Council led by Ana Wood, Director, Kilroy Realty Corporation and Justin Monteleone, Regional Account Manager, ABM recently gathered for an informative tour and discussion alongside Long Beach City Councilmember Mary Zendejas and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce.

This event was a great mix of networking, learning, and exploring one of Long Beach’s top properties. Touring 180 East Ocean Boulevard and learning about its transformation was inspiring, and the discussion with Councilmember Zendejas provided valuable local perspectives.

Councilmember Mary Zendejas and the Long Beach/South Bay Regional Council

Pasadena’s Push for Housing & Advocacy in Action

Pasadena introduced an ordinance to make it easier to convert commercial buildings into housing. It would reduce parking requirements, increase allowed density, and provide zoning flexibility for multi-family and mixed-use projects if passed.

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Further, several of our BOMA/GLA members headed north for the California Business Properties Association (CBPA) All-Stars Legislative Luncheon in late March where we were able to honor San Gabriel Valley Senator Susan Rubio for her steadfast support for Commercial real estate interests in Sacramento.

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