INDUSTRY LEADERS SET POLICY DIRECTIONS FOR 2008

CBPA Board of Directors, the industry Advisory Board, and members representing every major professional real estate organization in the State and leading companies in the commercial, industrial, and retail real estate industry, gathered in Sacramento this week to set policy direction for 2008. BOMA California is a voting member of CBPA’s Board of Directors.

The Board directed the organization to focus priorities on the following issues that have the potential for great impact on the industry: Split Roll Property Tax, AB 32 regulatory process, energy - legislative and regulatory issues, “green building” policy issues - incentives and building code, and water supply/conveyance/storage.

The Board also approved support and/or sponsorship of several legislative concepts, including: continued pursuit of ADA Reform through AB 747 (Corbett; D – San Leandro); a bill to disallow civil compromise for graffiti vandals, AB 1767 (Ma; D – San Francisco); a bill to raise the threshold for public sale of abandoned real property in commercial building (will be carried by Assembly member Jim Silva [R – Newport Beach]); a bill to remove the current sunset in law providing liability protection for building owners that install defibrillators; and a bill to reform state law related to the annexation process.

CBPA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

On March 26, the CBPA Legislative Committee will meet in Newport Beach to determine positions on 2008 legislation of interest. Interested members of BOMA are encouraged to participate. Last year more than 500 bills were introduced that were determined to have a potential impact on the non-residential real estate industry and we do not expect the number of “good ideas” to recede this year.

Ultimately in 2007, our industry was very successful in the legislative process as not a single high priority bill that we opposed was signed into law, while several high priority bills we supported were. This unusual rate of success is due to the dedication and hard work of BOMA California members that help analyze bills, formulate positions, and meet with legislators to explain industry positions. All of this is done on top of moving the economy forward by building and operating high quality properties throughout the state.

AND THE WINNERS ARE SENATOR STEINBERG AND ASSEMBLYMEMBER TBD!

Just two short days after Proposition 93, the term limits “reform” measure, was soundly defeated by voters, Democratic leaders in both houses of the legislature made major announcements about lines of succession. Many sitting legislators, including the leaders, had high hopes that approval of Prop 93 would extend their terms in office.

On the Senate side, current pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) announced that his caucus had decided that Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento)  will be the next leader of the state Senate. Steinberg will take the reins of the caucus at the end of the legislative session after a pro forma vote which is scheduled for Aug. 21. CBPA staff knows Mr. Steinberg well and have worked with him in a positive manner for many years. We congratulate Mr. Steinberg and look forward to working with him for many years to come.

In the Assembly, however, Democrats announced that termed-out Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez would serve the rest of his term as leader but they would gather to vote on his successor March 11. At that time, the Member who is able to gather at least 25 of 48 votes needed to become the next Speaker will spearhead fundraising for this year's Assembly elections and work with the outgoing leader on business of the house, but not ascend to the title of “Speaker” until December. Although the elbows aren’t in full swing yet, there are at least ten member of the caucus with interest in the position. We’ll keep you posted, As the World Turns.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE STATE TO “INCENTIVIZE” GREEN

As part of the continuing discussion with the Governor, Legislature, and State Regulatory Agencies, BOMA California has compiled a list of suggestions that could further “incentivize” green development. This list comes with the acknowledgement that many companies are already developing highly sustainable buildings:

1. Expedited/Fast-Track Permitting Processes for Green Buildings.
2. Carbon Credits under AB 32.
3. Funding for Training and Education of Building Operators/Managers.
4. Support Voluntary Submetering.
5. Support Voluntary Benchmarking Programs.
6. Assistance for Retro Commissioning of Private Sector Buildings.
7. Support the BSC Green Building Codes Adoption Process.
8. Partnerships with Professional Real Estate Associations.
9. Support and Promote All Third Party Green Building Certifications.
10. Certified “California Green Building” Label.
11. Maintain a Stateside Green Building Incentives List.
12. Funding for BSC Green Building Development & Education.
13. SB 1 commercial offset program.
14. Support Full Net Metering.
15. Support Energy & Water Conservation Audits.

GREEN CALIFORNIA SUMMIT AND EXPOSITION

Builders, property managers, developers, facilities managers and others involved in real estate should not miss the Green California Summit (April 7-9, Sacramento Convention Center). The event, guided by an Advisory Board that includes senior state officials and leaders from the real estate community, combines an exposition featuring hundreds of green products and services with seminars and training. Discover green tools that can save you money, preserve the environment and give you a competitive edge - and find out about regulations and policies that are changing the industry. For more information, click here.

BOMA INTERNATIONAL ISSUES CONFERENCE MARCH 10-11

The BOMA International National Issues Conference (NIC) provides a unique opportunity for members of the commercial real estate industry to directly interact with legislators and regulators in our nation’s capitol. Newly elected legislators and long-time representatives alike are seeking input from commercial real estate professionals and this is your chance to speak out and make a difference. If you are interested in attending as part of the California Delegation please contact your local association BAE or BOMA California Administration. Click here for more information.

BOMA CALENDAR 2008

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2008 -
BOMA California Board Meeting
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Embarcadero Center #4, Conference Center, Promenade Level
Co-hosted by Boston Properties and Unico Properties
San Francisco

TUESDAY, JUNE 10 & WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2008 —
BOMA California Board Meeting & CA Commercial Real Estate Summit
Sacramento (Hyatt Regency)
Times and locations TBA

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER, 2008 (DATE TBD) —
BOMA California Annual Meeting
Times and location TBD
Los Angeles