BOMA of Metro Detroit

The fact that we are living in unprecedented times has quickly become cliche. Our state and country are facing crises in leadership, and these crises are compounded by the financial miasma gripping the entire world economy. However, our country has been through exceedingly difficult times before, and we as Americans and residents of Michigan will once again overcome our problems to prosper and grow even stronger into the future. We need to recognize that the real estate industry has been and will remain one of the great catalysts for economic growth, and we need to assist the government leaders in recognizing this same concept and principle.

As BOMA members, we should all be concerned about what is happening in Lansing and Washington. Your elected representatives have the power to pass laws that will greatly affect your bottom line for years to come. In the past year, your Government Affairs Committee, with the assistance of our Lobbyists, Scofes and Associates Consulting, have led the fight to protect our interests on such important issues as;

Michigan Business Tax - attempting to mitigate the impact of this newly enacted compromise tax as well as the surcharge that threatens to do more harm than good.
Green Building - educating legislators on realistic method of achieving sustainability in building operations and maintenance while also enhancing economic viability.
Tax Tribunal – educating government on problematic procedures and providing real world solutions that work for business.
WPW Challenges- continuing efforts to maintain a fair property tax system without retroactive changes.
Energy Package- attempting to maintain the ability of industrial and commercial buyers of energy to ensure fair and reasonable utility rates

2009 will be a challenging year because a substantial number of our legislators will be new to their positions and to their role in government. Those same legislators will be facing enormous challenges presented by the current economic conditions. Property Owners will be a primary focus, with possible increases in Personal Property Tax, Real Estate Taxes, and the continuing examination of a new Service Tax. We must increase our diligence in finding ways to reduce our buildings’ operating expenses and in preventing the development of unfriendly business practices that escalate the cost of doing business in this great state!

The Legislature introduces hundreds of bills each year, and many of them have some impact on commercial real estate, purposeful or unintended. While individually you may not have the time and resources to monitor the actions in government, your Government Affairs Committee, the BOMA Staff, and our Lobbyists remain attentive to those issues affecting our industry. This level of effort requires your constant support to maintain. The work in Lansing is not without some financial cost. Political figures who share and defend our common interests need our financial support through our Political Action Committee (PAC), a joint effort with BOMA West Michigan. PAC contributions can only be collected from individuals, not corporations, and we hope to achieve one hundred percent participation in the PAC by the end of next year. There are several opportunities to contribute, and each of us can assist in our own way, no matter how “small” you may think that it is. With the collective effort of the BOMA members, “small” contributions can lead to large results. We will be offering several ways to contribute over the upcoming year, and we invite you to participate at every opportunity and get your co-workers and colleagues involved. Unlike voting, you can contribute early and often!

The Government Affairs Committee stays informed and helps to protect your interests. Please do what you can to support us in 2009. Make a personal donation to the PAC, a corporate donation to the GAC, buy a raffle ticket, donate an item to the PAC/GAC auction, or get involved. We need you to stay engaged and help us to continue serving the commercial real estate industry.

Thank you for all of your support and we will see you at the next BOMA gathering!

Advocacy

BOMA continues to lead the industry as the voice for commercial real estate. From the offices of building managers to the halls of government, BOMA serves member needs by advancing both the industry from within and its status from without.