State & Local Issues
BOMA Northeast Ohio works closely with our local associations to coordinate our advocacy efforts effectively and present a united front in BOMA Ohio. BOMA Ohio strengthens our advocacy efforts by providing access to a wealth of knowledge, coordination opportunities, and a larger platform to influence state-level policies and regulations affecting the commercial real estate sector.
Economic Development
BOMA promotes initiatives designed to stimulate regional economic growth, thereby enhancing the area's attractiveness for businesses and tenants. This, in turn, has a positive ripple effect on the commercial real estate sector by driving demand for commercial spaces.
Infrastructure Investment
BOMA advocates for strategic investments in critical infrastructure—encompassing transportation networks, utility systems, and other foundational elements—that underpin the functionality and value of commercial properties. These investments are essential for sustaining the operational efficiency and attractiveness of the real estate sector.
Tax Credits & Incentives
BOMA supports legislative and policy measures that provide tax credits and incentives aimed at encouraging commercial real estate development, renovation, and other sector-specific activities. These financial mechanisms are pivotal in fostering industry growth, sustainability, and innovation.
Public Safety
Ensuring robust public safety measures is paramount for safeguarding property values and enhancing the appeal of commercial properties. BOMA champions policies and initiatives that strengthen public safety in the Greater Cleveland area, thereby creating a more secure environment for both property owners and tenants.
Environmental and Energy Sustainability
Acknowledging the critical role of sustainability in modern real estate, BOMA endorses initiatives that advance environmentally responsible practices and energy efficiency within the commercial real estate sector. This includes supporting sustainable building practices and promoting energy-efficient technologies to align with broader environmental goals.
Building Codes
BOMA advocates for the development and implementation of building codes that strike a balance between rigorous safety standards and the practical needs of property owners and tenants. Effective building codes are essential for ensuring the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of commercial properties while fostering a conducive regulatory environment for industry.
Legislative Victories
BOMA Northeast Ohio has a long history of reigning in overly burdensome building codes and regulatory proposals.
In 2010, BOMA NEO joined a year-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 NEO 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 NEO 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 NEO members utilize daily, 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.
