In This Issue:

• GAUNTLET IS THROWN ON SPLIT ROLL PROPERTY TAX IN 2008

• AB 1065 – ENERGY REDUCTION MANDATE RISES FROM THE DEAD

• GREEN BUILDING CODE ADVISORY COMMITTEE; COALITION LETTER

• INDUSTRY ISSUES POLICY PAPERS

• ICSC STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP SUMMIT MARCH 4-5

• BOMA INTERNATIONAL ISSUES CONFERENCE MARCH 10-11

• GREEN CALIFORNIA SUMMIT AND EXPOSITION APRIL 7-9

• CBPA 2008 CALENDAR

GAUNTLET IS THROWN ON SPLIT ROLL PROPERTY TAX IN 2008

At a speech to the Sacramento Press Club, California State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) advocated creating a “split tax roll that generates more revenue from businesses.” Here we go again. Read the full story here.

AB 1065 – ENERGY REDUCTION MANDATE RISES FROM THE DEAD

In an example that shows no bad idea ever really dies in the California State Legislature, a bill that was defeated last year in the Assembly Appropriations Committee due to its immense cost and unfeasible policy, has come back to life and threatens to haunt our industry four years to come. AB 1065 (Lieber; D-Mountain View). This bill sets an unrealistically aggressive schedule for energy reduction in buildings, and basically requires “zero net energy” on a timeline that no one, except someone who has never built or operated a building, thinks can be met. And, the bill has gotten a boost; unfortunately, in an act of true “feel-goodism” the CPUC has approved a similar measure that mandates new commercial buildings be “off the energy grid” by 2030 and residences to do the same a full ten years earlier.

This policy would choke companies that develop new projects in this state while providing no real environmental benefits. To wit, with regards to new residential construction, new homes make up only 1% of the total housing stock each year. Add to this the fact that of the 13 million existing residences that make up the total housing stock in California, well over 9 million of these units were built prior to 1983 when the first set of statewide energy efficiency standards took effect. This means that 3 out of 4 homes in California were constructed under building standards containing no requirements for energy efficiency. So, focusing solely on new construction is going to have a very limited impact on overall statewide energy consumption.

As an industry we support policies that encourage increased energy efficiencies and are actively building energy efficient facilities that go far beyond what other states are doing. However, both residential and non-residential builders in this state need to act in concert to oppose this unrealistic policy. We must educate policymakers about the great strides that are already being made to increase energy efficiency, without setting the finishing line at the Vanishing Point. Please talk with your legislators and local officials about this policy any chance you get. And stay tuned. We are following this closely and will do everything we can to flip the switch off on this ill-conceived policy.

GREEN BUILDING CODE ADVISORY COMMITTEE; COALITION LETTER

On February 13 and 14, 2008, the Building Standards Commission's Green Building Code Advisory Committee met to adopt proposed changes to the State's Building Code to incorporate new green building standards. As the leader of a broad business coalition, our industry successfully fended off an ill-conceived LEED mandate bill in the Legislature last year and part of our argument was that the Building Standards Code process should work to write these codes. Well, that process is now happening and the BSC is fast-tracking these new codes and input on the proposed codes have been submitted to help guide sound decisions. Here is a link to our letter and comments to the committee:
Green Building Code Advisory Committee Joint Letter (PDF)
Green Building Code Advisory Committee Code Layout (PDF)

INDUSTRY ISSUES POLICY PAPERS

CBPA Board of Directors approved several new and updated position policy papers for 2008.  These documents provide information to members about major issues facing the industry and provide strategic guidance to those engaging in public policy negotiations. They are also just fun and interesting to read! All position papers can be accessed on the CBPA website by clicking here.

ICSC STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP SUMMIT MARCH 4-5

The 2008 International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Strategic Leadership Summit in Washington, DC is the shopping center industry’s “Day on Capitol Hill.” This meeting is an excellent opportunity for ICSC members to convey to Congress retail real estate’s legislative agenda and educate lawmakers about the economic contributions of their businesses to communities nationwide. If you are interested in attending as part of the California Delegation please contact Rex Hime.   Click here for more information.

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.

GREEN CALIFORNIA SUMMIT AND EXPOSITION APRIL 7-9

 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 policy that are changing the industry. For more information, click here.

CBPA 2008 CALENDAR

June 10-11: California Commercial Real Estate Summit &
CBPA Annual Meeting
Sacramento, CA

October 23: CBPA Board Meeting and CBPA Awards Dinner
The Island (formerly the Four Seasons), Newport Beach