Advocacy

BOMA is your guide to the JUNGLE of SF politics

Advocacy is at the heart of BOMA San Francisco's mission and activities. The Association works aggressively to promote the interests of our members by monitoring legislative proposals and advocating positions that enhance and protect the value of commercial real estate.  Through our local public policy committees, BOMA San Francisco provides important commentary and policy guidance to local, state and federal representatives 

Please click here to view the BOMA San Francisco ADVOCACY blog for coverage on government affairs and industry news for commercial real estate professionals!  

News (there's even MORE information on our individual advocacy committee webpages, here!)

• StreetSmARTS Anti-Graffiti Vandalism Program
• UPDATE: CAPSS and the Seismic Strengthening of Soft-story, Wood-frame Buildings
• Luncheon Hosted by Mayor Newsom and USGBC-NCC Highlights Empire State Building Sustainability Retrofit
• BOMA's New Floor Measurement Methodology - Simplify Lease Calculations
• Civil Grand Jury Report: Parking For The Disabled—Abuse Or Overuse?
• SAVE THE DATE! CAPSS Advisory Committee Workshop - February 10th
• UPDATE: San Francisco Ordinance Prohibiting Smoking in Enclosed Areas and Certain Unenclosed Areas 
• ACTION ALERT- Sit/Lie Law for San Francisco
• San Francisco Board of Supervisors President David Chiu Speaks to Chamber Members
• CALL TO ACTION! Support Supervisor Sean Elsbernd's Pension Reform Legislation
• Announcement of CASp 2010 Exam Dates and Registration Information
• California's New Green Building Code – CALGREEN
• Tenant Installation of Access Controlled Egress Systems
• UPDATE: San Francisco Better Market Street Project
• 2010 San Francisco Board of Supervisors Committee Structure
• The News Links - January 10-12, 2010
• UPDATE: Service and Support Animals in Places of Business
• SFDBI 2010 Disabled Access Valuation Threshold
• BOMA San Francisco Energy & Environment Committee Update: PG&E Peak Day Pricing, Rebates and More!
• Governor Schwarzenegger Gives Final State of the State Speech to California Legislature
• Service Animals in Places of Business
• San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings Efficiency Task Force Recommendations
• Apply for California's FIRST Citizens Redistricting Commission
• SF Works - Helping San Francisco Employers Access Hiring Tax Credits
• BOMA International Winter Business Meeting and National Issues Conference - February 1-4, 2010
• Have You Signed the San Francisco Graffiti-Free City Pledge?

Local

BOMA San Francisco's 2009 Public Policy Priorities 

At the local level, much of our work is through volunteer committees. These groups meet with public officials and provide technical input and real-life examples to guide the development of key legislation. BOMA San Francisco public policy committees include:

Codes and Regulations Committee
Emergency Preparedness Committee
Energy and Environment Committee
Government & Public Affairs Committee
Political Action Committee (BOMA-SF-PAC)

State

BOMA California is our statewide association, comprised of the eight local BOMAs within the state.  BOMA California is recognized as the voice of commercial real estate in the state Capitol.  We have won major victories in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission, saving millions of dollars for our members.

Most recently, BOMA California hired a lobbying firm to monitor rulemaking in  regulatory agencies such as the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the California Building Standards Commission, in an effort to develop an “early warning system” for issues that could severely impact commercial real estate. For an update on current state issues click here.

National

BOMA International has long been the watchdog for commercial real estate in Congress. Most recently, BOMA International provided thoughtful testimony on the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), argued for the continuation of the 15-year leasehold depreciation schedule, and provided input on legislation relating to global warming and sustainability, including bills providing rebates for the installation of energy-saving devices.

National regulatory bodies wield enormous influence over the development and operation of commercial buildings. BOMA International has full-time staff dedicated to providing input to the model codes and standards development processes, whether for the International Building Code, the ASHRAE indoor air quality standards or the ADAAG accessibility standards. For an update on current national issues click here.