Position Statements
Building and Fire Codes
BOMA/GLA supports the current state and local code development processes which allow for input by all affected stakeholders, including commercial building owners. During these processes, we encourage policy makers to consider the financial and operational impact of regulations, and work with our industry to pursue public safety in office buildings in an effective and efficient manner.
Economic Development
BOMA/GLA views economic development as essential to both the vitality of Los Angeles and the success of the commercial real estate industry. We support policies and public-private partnerships that create jobs, increase property values, and drive investment in projects such as the LA Convention Center restoration, while also streamlining permitting processes to reduce delays. We oppose punitive measures that unfairly target property owners with vacancies, advocating instead for tailored solutions that address truly abandoned or hazardous properties. Our position emphasizes equitable growth, sustainable use of public funds, and collaboration with education and workforce partners to ensure long-term prosperity for both the city and our members.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
BOMA/GLA supports adding more EV infrastructure in office buildings to meet demand and state goals but stresses the high costs for building owners. We call for financial help like rebates, tax credits, and low-interest loans, and prefer flexible benchmarks over strict mandates. Expanding EV charging along busy corridors and upgrading the electric grid should be top priorities. Policymakers should also consider challenges like ADA compliance and parking impacts while supporting new energy resources and vehicle-to-grid technology.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Commercial Buildings
BOMA/GLA encourages real estate owners and managers to continually strive to improve energy efficiency, understand state and federal incentive programs for energy retrofits, and collect building data that will assist in making informed decisions on energy usage. Further, we encourage owners to play an active role in implementing responsible consumption practices that are environmentally and economically sustainable using proven technologies and procedures.
BOMA/GLA Policy on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Commercial Buildings
Homelessness
BOMA/GLA recognizes that homelessness is one of our society's greatest moral and humanitarian concerns. We have consistently supported efforts to more efficiently and effectively address the multifaceted challenges presented by homelessness. Our members are active in the community and strive to serve as key contributors to a responsible long-term solution. BOMA/GLA participates in coalition efforts to create more housing and homelessness services, raised the alarm bell on homelessness far before it became a front-and-center political issue, and advocated for policies that empower owners and managers of commercial real estate to maintain clean and safe working environments for all building tenants and their guests.
Immigration
When immigration enforcement is unpredictable or unclear, it can disrupt operations, create liability risks, and generate fear among building staff and contractors. BOMA/GLA maintains that property managers should never be placed in the position of carrying out immigration enforcement. Clear, consistent policies are essential to protect worker rights, maintain operational stability, and keep commercial properties safe and functioning.
Labor Relations
BOMA/GLA recognizes a worker's right to organize in their workplace and for unions to negotiate wages and working conditions on their behalf. BOMA/GLA supports a worker's right to a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. BOMA/GLA also supports a reasonable timeline and process for a secret ballot election that ensures a choice free of coercion, intimidation, irregularity, and illegality.
Street Vending
BOMA/GLA recognizes that street vending is now legal in California but remains concerned about health, public safety, and impacts on neighboring commercial properties and businesses. The organization supports the development of local permitting processes that ensure vendors meet health standards, hold proper licenses, and do not overcrowd commercial corridors. BOMA/GLA advocates for robust oversight, streamlined reporting, and mediation processes to resolve disputes between vendors and adjacent property owners. It also opposes granting street vendors special leniencies not available to stationary businesses and encourages pathways for vendors to transition into brick-and-mortar locations.
Taxes and Fees
BOMA/GLA supports the maintenance of Proposition 13 protections on commercial properties and opposes any effort to create a "split tax roll." This would discourage investment in commercial office buildings, and further burden office building tenants.
Additionally, while BOMA/GLA understands cities' increasing reliance on fees as income, fees and fee increases must be reasonable and have a "nexus" to the service provided.
Transportation
BOMA/GLA supports a comprehensive regional transportation plan that increases mobility for all Angelenos. We encourage balancing the maximization of service and alternative transportation options, while striving to cause minimal disruption to existing service areas. Business will flourish only if a wide range of transportation options allow the free flow of goods and customers. As the nation's second largest city and one projected to grow rapidly over the next 50 years, our local, state and federal representatives must work together to ensure that funds are directed to our area, and intergovernmental conflict is minimized.