BUDGET DEAL 2008

This budget season was enough to make the most dedicated political junkie grow weary of the fun. Although we think we finally have a deal, after 81 days of mostly inactivity and posturing, a deal coming together quickly, a veto threat, shouts of “override” from both parties, then another deal. Whew.

If all holds, today a $104.3 billion general fund budget will be signed after legislators amended in several demands from the Governor, including requests to strengthen a rainy-day fund and eliminate a maneuver to accelerate collection of income tax from residents. Click here to read the full story.
 

SF MEETS THE REALITY OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION COSTS

The City of San Francisco is being introduced to the reality of costs associated with “building too green.” Although the initial design of its new PUC building would have made it the greenest building in the universe, it was calculated to produce savings of just under a bazillion dollars in energy costs, and would have actually protected the habitat of approximately 16.7 polar bears, the upfront costs amounting to over $15.6 million per floor is too much for the City. Subtle sarcasm aside, our industry is very very supportive of green building, but this example highlights that the altruistic goals of the project budget must be in line with economic reality. Click here for the full story.
 

SKEPTICS QUESTION WHAT LEED RATING ACTUALLY MEANS

“Stop with the social engineering, give me a building that doesn’t suck, and, until you do that, go away,” is the choice quote in a related story. Finance and Commerce magazine examines what achieving LEED certification actually means in terms of a resource efficient building. Although we are supportive of companies that choose to go through the voluntary ratings process, over the past several years political advocates of private third party certification programs have pushed them as mandated building code arguing they will help governments meet strict environmental goals. However, there are those that believe that certification requirements stray too far away from the bottom line of energy and water conservation into areas that should not be mandated by government. Click here to read the full story.
 

AB 32 CLIMATE CHANGE SESSION

Please join four major industry groups, including the California Chamber of Commerce, California Building Industry Association, California Business Properties Association, and American Council of Engineering Companies of California for a high level discussion and panel presentation on the implementation of AB 32, California’s 2006 Green House Gas (GHG) global warming solutions bill and its resulting impacts on industry.

From land use to transportation planning, residential to commercial development, manufacturing to the retail industry, AB 32 is setting the stage for profound effects that will resonate across California for years to come.

The AB 32 Session will be held in Sacramento on October 2, and is FREE FOR MEMBERS. Space is limited and attendance is on a first-come first-serve basis, so sign up now. Click here for more information.
 

2008 INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA

The Industry Awards Dinner is scheduled for October 23, 2008 at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach. This event is not to be missed as it is a chance to recognize the unwavering leadership of individuals and companies dedicated to our industry. Click here for more information about the honorees and for sponsorship information.
 

BOMA CALIFORNIA 2008 CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2008

September 25—
BOMA SF – BOMA CALIFORNIA 20th ANNIVERSARY LUNCH
San Francisco

 

OCTOBER 2008

October 2--
STRATEGIC ISSUES CONFERENCE 2008 – CLIMATE CHANGE
Sacramento

(t)October 16--
BOMA SACRAMENTO--BOMA CALIFORNIA 20th ANNIV. LUNCH
Sacramento

October 23 —
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/RETAIL REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY AWARDS DINNER
The Island Hotel, Newport Beach, CA
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

October 24 —
BOMA CA BOARD MEETING & ELECTION OF 2009 OFFICERS
Newport Beach (The Irvine Company)
10:00 a.m. -- 3:00 p.m.