BOMA Greater Cleveland’s success greatly depends on the Northeast Ohio region itself. The relationship is simple: buildings need tenants and the Greater Cleveland area benefits tremendously from high occupancy levels in commercial office buildings.
Guided by that simple philosophy, our Government Affairs Committee has created the following position statement to guide BOMA Greater Cleveland’s advocacy efforts:
BOMA Greater Cleveland will actively support government, regulatory, and community initiatives that promote commercial real estate in the following:
Our Government Affairs Charter states that our mission is, “To serve as the preferred liaison for BOMA Greater Cleveland members in government, regulatory, and community affairs that impact the commercial real estate industry in the Greater Cleveland market.”
BOMA Greater Cleveland has a long history of reigning in overly burdensome building code and regulatory proposals.
In 2010, BOMA Greater Cleveland joined a years-long legal effort that delayed implementation of the new Stormwater Management Program. During the legal proceedings our members paid no fees, amounting to over $1 million in savings.
In 2012, BOMA Greater Cleveland was an invited guest of State Representative Nan Baker and attended the ceremonial bill signing of HB 18, which created the Ohio Vacant Facilities Fund. The legislation creates a $500-per-employee tax credit for businesses that expand into existing vacant commercial space. We even got one of the pens that Governor Kasich used to sign HB 18 into law.
In 2013, a proposal at the state level called for an expansion of the sales tax. The sales tax would have applied to virtually every business service – including commercial rent, real estate management fees, and parking lots and garages.
In 2022, BOMA Greater Cleveland redoubled efforts at the state level, contributing to the signage of major legislation benefitting the commercial real estate industry. Wins include HB 126, a bill prohibiting the predatory practice of litigation and side deals on property tax valuations by school districts. SB 225 was also signed into law following strong support from BOMA – doubling the amount of funding available to both the Historical Rehabilitation Tax Credit and the Opportunity Zone Tax Credit programs.
Setting aside the plethora of services that BOMA Greater Cleveland members utilize on a daily basis, this was a direct threat to the commercial real estate industry. Organizations like BOMA Greater Cleveland banded together to convince the legislature to kill the legislation.
Infrastructure – Dedication to improving our region’s infrastructure is vital to the future of BOMA Greater Cleveland and the commercial real estate industry.
Public Safety – Safety of both people and property is always a high priority – we work with our partners in the city, county, and region to provide up to date information and collaboration to increase security.
Regional Collaboration – BOMA Greater Cleveland contributes to the collaboration between our region’s communities and partners, benefitting our businesses and taxpayers.
Traffic/Parking Conditions – Events like parades and sporting events change parking and traffic situations – follow us and stay up to date with our Bulletin for the latest information.
City Departments – We are continually monitoring for consistent, accurate, and timely city services. Be sure to let us know if you experience any difficulties.
