March 5, 2026

In the News: Cal Matters Opinion by Dan Walters: California businesses and left-leaning groups clash on the ballot and in court

CBPA, along with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, the California Business Roundtable, and the California Taxpayers Association, is co-sponsoring the Taxpayer Protection Act, a statewide ballot measure that would restore key safeguards of Proposition 13 and reinstate the two-thirds voter requirement for new local taxes.

In a recent opinion piece in CalMatters, columnist Dan Walters writes that California’s long-running political tug-of-war between business groups and left-leaning advocacy organizations is once again playing out across the Legislature, regulatory agencies, the courts, and the ballot box.

The article highlights the coalition-backed Taxpayer Protection Act, which would overturn a recent state Supreme Court ruling that allowed local tax increases proposed through initiatives to pass with a simple majority vote. Supporters argue the measure is intended to restore voter protections and improve transparency around new taxes as Californians grapple with rising costs of living.

Read the full opinion piece here.

Don't Miss our 2026 Industrywide Legislative Meeting Friday, March 20 | 10 am - 12 pm via Zoom

CBPA will soon host its 2026 Industrywide Legislative Meeting, where members will receive an overview of newly introduced legislation affecting the commercial real estate industry. This meeting is the final step in CBPA’s initial legislative review process, bringing members together to review the bill list compiled by the newly expanded CBPA Legislative Committee after evaluating hundreds of bills introduced this year. Member input at this stage helps determine CBPA’s policy positions and guides our advocacy efforts in Sacramento. As a member-driven organization, CBPA relies on feedback from the industry to help shape our legislative priorities.

To RSVP, contact Crystal Whitfield at cwhitfield@cbpa.com.

Another Statewide ISR Legislative Proposal, AB 1777 (Garcia), Introduced | CBPA, NAIOP California, and BOMA California Take Early Oppose Position Alongside Industry Partners

CBPA and BOMA California, alongside a coalition of industry partners, have taken an early oppose position on AB 1777 (Garcia), a proposal that would expand the California Air Resources Board’s authority to regulate so-called “indirect sources” such as warehouses, railyards, and ports that attract large numbers of trucks.

Supporters argue the bill could help reduce transportation-related emissions by allowing regulators to require facilities to use electric trucks or install charging infrastructure. However, business and industry groups have raised significant concerns about the potential for sweeping new regulatory authority and increased compliance costs that could ultimately be passed on to consumers. Similar rules adopted in Southern California have been projected by industry groups to cost warehouse operators up to $1 billion annually, heightening concerns about affordability and impacts to supply chains and the cost of goods.

BOMA California will continue working with coalition partners and lawmakers as the bill moves through the legislative process to ensure that any proposed regulations are balanced, cost-effective, and mindful of the economic pressures already facing California businesses.

Read the full story here.

CBPA Joins NAIOP Leaders at I.CON West to Discuss Winning Policy Fights Through Unified Advocacy

BOMA California Vice President of Government Relations Lobby Skyler Wonnacott participated in a panel at the NAIOP I.CON West conference titled “Building Influence: Winning Policy Fights Through Unified Advocacy.” Wonnacott joined Kaitlin Arduino of NAIOP San Diego, Courtney Wing of NAIOP SoCal, and Roland Neary of NAIOP Sacramento, with the discussion moderated by Jonathan Shardlow of NAIOP Inland Empire.

The panel focused on how coordinated advocacy across NAIOP’s California chapters, working alongside NAIOP California and industry partners, strengthens the commercial real estate industry’s voice in Sacramento and at the local level. Panelists discussed coalition building, engagement with policymakers, and recent policy battles impacting industrial development, including lessons from California’s recent warehouse legislation and the coordinated industry effort that led to SB 415 securing more than twenty targeted fixes to AB 98.

Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris Highlights her CBPA All-Star Award in District Newsletter

Last week, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris was one of the recipients of CBPA's Legislative All-Star Awards.

Asm. Petrie-Norris highlighted the award in her district-wide newsletter, saying "It was an honor to be recognized by the California Business Properties Association as a recipient of the 2026 Legislative All-Star Award. I'm grateful to work with CBPA in advocating for policies that promote economic growth, responsible regulation, and vibrant business communities. I look forward to continuing our partnership in the year ahead."

Congratulations to her and all of our awardees!

BOMA California Sponsored Bill Alert

AB 2418 (González) is one of BOMA California's sponsored bills this year. This measure is also co-authored by Assemblymembers Wicks, Rubio, Nguyen, and Zbur and aims to address prolonged local plan-check delays for nonresidential projects and establishes clear, enforceable timelines for permit review.

AB 2418 would:

Require local agencies to provide an estimated plan-check timeline upon deeming an application complete.
Shorten the definition of “excessive delay” from 50 days to 30 days and allow use of a qualified private plan checker when timelines are exceeded.
Require permit issuance (or written notice of noncompliance) and final inspection within firm 10-business-day deadlines in specified circumstances.

This is a targeted reform designed to bring predictability and accountability to nonresidential permitting while preserving local oversight.

Big thank you to our local co-sponsors NAIOP SoCal and BOMA Greater Los Angeles for their partnership and support on this effort.

Click here to View the Fact Sheet

Past BOMA International and BOMA Greater Los Angeles Chair Joe Markling's Book, The Leadership Divide, Hits #2 on Amazon's Hot New Releases

CBPA wants to congratulate Past CBPA, BOMA International, and BOMA Greater Los Angeles Chair Joe Markling for his book, The Leadership Divide, reaching #2 on Amazon's Hot New Releases.

In the book, Joe Markling shares insights on one of the most important dynamics organizations face today: understanding the difference between leadership and management. While the two are often used interchangeably, Joe emphasizes that the space between them is where teams either gain momentum or lose it.

He also challenges traditional ideas about leading people and explains why closing the gap between leadership and management is critical for stronger organizations. His message is straightforward: the greatest missed opportunity in business is the untapped potential of people. When leaders focus on developing and empowering their teams, they create the foundation for better performance, stronger culture, and lasting results.

Congratulations, Joe Markling! Click here to purchase a copy.

Event Recap & Photos: 2026 Legislative All-Star Awards

The California Business Properties Association’s Legislative All-Star Awards event, held at the Hyatt Regency overlooking the State Capitol, brought together CBPA leaders and key lawmakers to celebrate leadership, partnership, and advocacy.

The program was led by CBPA Board Chair Phil Tate and CEO Matthew Hargrove, who highlighted CBPA’s continued role as a leading voice for California’s commercial real estate industry. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Legislator of the Year award to Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, recognizing his leadership and partnership on issues impacting the industry.

The luncheon also honored past and present leaders whose work has strengthened CBPA’s legislative impact. Past Chair Rob Cord was recognized with a legislative resolution honoring his service, presented by Senator Roger Niello and Assemblymember Joe Patterson, while Sarahann Shapiro received a resolution presented by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens recognizing her leadership and tireless advocacy to protect the commercial real estate industry.

This annual event underscored CBPA’s legislative leadership and its strong relationships with the policymakers shaping the future of California's business climate.

Click here to view the event photo gallery!

Congratulations to all of CBPA’s 2026 Legislative All-Star Awardees: Assemblymember Greg Wallis, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Senator Tim Grayson, Assemblymember Joe Patterson, Assemblymember Mark González, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, Assemblymember Lori Wilson, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, Assemblymember Nick Schultz, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, Senator Laura Richardson

You're Invited: California Commission on Disability Access's Commission to Community Event | Thursday, March 26, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM in Kern County

This interactive discussion will share practical disability access tips to help businesses ensure their spaces are accessible to all customers and foster collaboration between the business and disability communities. This event is in person in Bakersfield, CA.

Location and Address: Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center | Salon A Room - 801 Truxtun Ave in Bakersfield, California 93301