10 Things to Keep in Mind with ADA Compliance

BOMA San Francisco Members:

BOMA’s ADA Guidebook is the most up–to–date and comprehensive analysis of the 2010 ADA regulations, unmatched by anything else in the marketplace, giving you the lowdown on what you need to know and how you should prepare.

Here are just 10 areas of construction/renovation that are affected by the 2010 ADA regulations:

• Front and Side Reach Ranges 
• New limits on counter heights and placement of elements such as faucets, towel and soap dispensers, water fountains, shelves, coat hooks, etc. 
• Employee Work Spaces 
• Increased accessible common use circulation paths 
• Restrooms 
• Increased turning spaces and clearances for wheelchair access 
• Wheelchairs 
• Wheelchairs must be permitted in all areas open to pedestrian use 
• Increased wheelchair turning spaces and clearances – work spaces and restrooms 
• Power-Drive Mobility Devices 
• Devices like Segway®PT must be permitted in most cases 
• Accessible Routes 
• Must be located in same areas as exterior and interior general circulation paths 
• Parking Garages 
• All pedestrian direct connections to another facility must be accessible 
• Additional van accessible spaces required 
• Communication Services 
• Video remote interpreting (VRI) and other auxiliary aids may be used to provide effective communication 
• Service Animals 
• Expanded coverage for individuals using dogs for specific tasks 
• Fitness Centers, Exercise Rooms, Spas, Saunas and Swimming Pools 
• Accessible routes, clear floor space for wheelchair equipment and facility access, and accessible pool entries/exits now required 

The ADA compliance deadline is here. Learn more about how the 2010 regulations affect your building with the Guide to the 2010 ADA Standards, brought to you by BOMA International, the folks who "wrote the book" on ADA compliance 20 years ago.

Need Help Understanding the 2010 ADA Regulations?

BOMA’s webinar, Understanding the 2010 ADA Building Codes and Standards, is now available 24/7 on–demand. Visit the BOMA Knowledge Portal for access to the ADA webinar as well as BOMA’s full menu of on–demand educational offerings.

10 Things to Keep in Mind with ADA Compliance

Have you scheduled alterations, renovations, tenant improvements or new construction in your building in the coming months? Did you know that your plans could be impacted by the 2010 ADA regulations – the first major update to the ADA since the regulation were first published in 1991? 

UPDATE: New Signage Requirements for Privately Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS)

Click to enlarge.  Image from SPUR's guide to POPOS

BOMA San Francisco Members:

UPDATE - December 19, 2012

Please note that Supervisor David Chiu's legislation updating the signage requirements for Privately-Owned Publicly Accessible Open Spaces (POPOS) has been enacted.

The measure updated signage controls, requiring additional information be provided about the POPOS and regulating the size, design, and content of the plaques. A new well-designed logo brands these POPOS to help the public understand the individual spaces as part of a larger network. Installing the plaque at every pedestrian entrance will direct the public to interior and rooftop spaces.

ENFORCEMENT

Beginning January 2013, the Planning Department Zoning and Compliance Division will begin reviewing POPOS sites that were approved subject to the Downtown Plan (darker green icons on this map) for compliance.  Property owners of POPOS that are not in compliance with signage AND other Conditions of Approval related to open space requirements will be notified followed by a courtesy compliance period. Following the courtesy period, POPOS that are not in compliance will be subject to further enforcement action which may result in penalties per Section 176 of the Planning Code.

Please click here for more information.  Please email your BOMA Advocacy Team at kenc@boma.com and johnb@boma.com if you have any questions or feedback.

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UPDATE - October 22, 2012

Your BOMA San Francisco Advocacy team has been in communication with Board President Supervisor David Chiu’s office regarding legislation to update the signage requirements for Privately-Owned Publicly Accessible Open Spaces or POPOS. The measure was heard today and passed unanimously at the weekly meeting of the Land Use & Economic Development Committee.  It will now go to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration.

This legislation, if enacted, will not immediately affect existing POPOS signage. This has been accomplished via a reasonable approach to update the existing signs based on certain requirements. You can reference that information on page 15 of the current version of the measure, lines 15-22 [SEC 138 (i)(E)].  

If your property has a POPOS, please take a moment to review the new signage requirements, e.g., standardized height positioning, measurements, among others.

With regard to the contact information stipulation, SEC 138 (i)(A)(4) on page 14, a few BOMA members questioned the requirement to provide the email address of the person responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the open space.  Supervisor Chiu’s office and the Planning Department agreed to remove the email address at BOMA's request. Omitting the email address will allow the current code referencing the contacting information requirement to remain unchanged.

Please email your BOMA Advocacy Team at kenc@boma.com and johnb@boma.com if you have any questions or feedback.

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Original Post - June 8, 2012

BOMA San Francisco Members -

The San Francisco Planning Department has approved an ordinance introduced by Supervisor David Chiu that would change the signage requirements for privately owned publicly accessible open spaces (POPOS).  The Board of Supervisors must still review and vote to approve the ordinance.

This San Francisco Examiner article summarizes the issue nicely.  As the article and the SPUR guide to POPOS details, many of the spaces are in or around BOMA San Francisco member buildings.

Please take a moment to review the Planning Department's Executive Summary of the planning code amendments, examples of current and possible updated signage requirements and send your feedback to Ken Cleaveland at kenc@boma.com and John Bozeman at johnb@boma.com.

From the Executive Summary

The Way It Is Now

Privately-owned public open spaces (POPOS) are publicly accessible spaces in forms of plazas, terraces, atriums, small parks, and even snippets that are provided and maintained by private developers. In San Francisco, POPOS mostly appear in the Downtown office district area. Prior to 1985, developers provided POPOS under three general circumstances: voluntarily, in exchange for a density bonus, or as a condition of approval. The 1985 Downtown Plan created the first systemic requirements for developers to provide publicly accessible open space as a part of projects in C-3 Districts. The goal was to “provide in the downtown quality open space in sufficient quantity and variety to meet the needs of downtown workers, residents and visitors.The Downtown Plan also established guidelines that define eleven types of open spaces in Downtown. These guidelines prescribe detailed standards regarding each open space type size, location, access, seating, landscaping, food service, sunlight and wind, and public accessibility. Section 138 of the San Francisco Planning Code (herein after the “Code”) refers to these guidelines and establishes required amount of open space in C-3 Districts. It also regulates POPOS signage which is the focus of the proposed Ordinance. The Planning Department designed a customized plaque template for POPOS featuring a distinctive logo and required project sponsors to install the plaque at the space. However, while the Code specified what information to include in the plaque, it did not identify the location and the size of the plaque. As a result, many of these sites do not include proper informational signage, which has created a deficiency in informing the public about the existence of open space. Section 135 and 135.3 also provide provisions for POPOS in other Districts such as Downtown Residential and Eastern Neighborhood Mixed Use Districts. Some provisions in these two Sections regarding POPOS are not in consistence with provisions in Section 138.

The Way It Would Be

The proposed Ordinance would amend Section 138 to include more specific requirements and standards for the informational plaques of POPOS. In order to maintain consistency in the Code, Section 135 and 135.3 of the Code will also be amended to match the same standards.

UPDATE: CAPSS - Community Action Plan for Seismic Safety Meeting

BOMA San Francisco Members:

UPDATE - December 19, 2012

If you are interested in attending a CAPSS meeting, the next gathering will be on Monday, January 28, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at San Francisco City Hall, Room 34.  

BOMA San Francisco Codes and Regulations Committee member Will Grogan will be in attendance and will provide a report on the CAPSS meeting discussion at the February 27, 2013 Codes meeting.

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Original Post - November 26, 2012 

The CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program continues to work toward a more resilient San Francisco. Here is a very brief update on their activities:

• Patrick Otellini appointed Director of Earthquake Safety
• Soft-story building program final review
• Private School Earthquake Safety Working Group progress
• Upcoming CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program Public Meeting

A Message from Laurence Kornfield

Dear Friends,

Big news! The Mayor has appointed Patrick Otellini to be San Francisco’s Director of Earthquake Safety. We are fortunate to have such a qualified and enthusiastic new Director. Patrick comes to the CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program from the private sector where has spent over a decade working across the spectrum of San Francisco’s building community – he is intimately familiar with the City’s permit approval and inspection processes, building owner and user concerns, the pragmatic construction issues of costs, scheduling, and financing. He has been closely engaged in the CAPSS earthquake safety work, including serving as a committee chairperson on the 2010 Mayor’s Soft Story Task Force. Patrick, who will be working directly under City Administrator Naomi Kelly, brings passion, vitality and commitment to the position of Director of Earthquake Safety. I am thrilled that we are fortunate enough to get Patrick Otellini in this role.

I will continue to work on the CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program (ESIP) both on our ongoing programs and as an advisor to Patrick and his staff, as we embark on our challenging 30-year implementation program. I am extraordinarily grateful to have Patrick join me in the leadership of our crucial earthquake safety programs. Patrick’s commitment, the overwhelming support of the City leadership, and your continued involvement mean that we will succeed in making San Francisco a safer and more resilient city.

With much thanks,

Laurence Kornfield

Click here to download the Mayor’s Office press release.

Soft-Story Building Final Review

All of the pieces are now in place to move forward with a program to dramatically improve the safety of many of San Francisco’s most hazardous buildings. Over the next few months the Earthquake Safety Working Group will work to determine the best ways in which to implement the proposed regulations for earthquake upgrade of vulnerable soft-story buildings, focusing on buildings having five or more dwelling units and three or more stories (ESIP Task A.3.a). Much of the groundwork for these regulations was laid under the 2010 Mayor’s Soft Story Task Force. The CAPSS team is looking forward to a collaborative, consensus-based effort to make San Francisco’s housing stock more resilient and safer. More details on this in the near future.

Private Schools Earthquake Safety

A Private Schools Earthquake Safety Working Group, under volunteer chairperson Laura Samant, is studying the technical and policy issues related to the earthquake risk of private schools in San Francisco, and will propose ideas for how the City may best address private school safety (ESIP Task A.6.f). The group is exploring challenging issues such as community expectation for school safety, evaluation of earthquake risk, and potential building improvement opportunities. A report on the findings of this Working Group is to be delivered to the City Administrator and the Mayor in late 2013. If you would like to receive information about the activities of the Working Group by email or to participate in the Working Group, please contact Micah Hilt, micah.hilt@sfgov.org.

The next meeting will be in City Hall, Room 370, on December 6, 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Click here to download our notice to the private schools.

Upcoming CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program Public Meeting

December 10, 11:00 a.m. until 1: 00 p.m. at City Hall, Room 370.

Please join the CAPSS team for an update on their many CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation programs. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and to learn how you can get further involved in their activities.

Building Rating Systems

The CAPSS recommendations for improving San Francisco’s earthquake resilience were founded on an ability to evaluate or rate building earthquake performance and to effectively communicate about building performance with the public (ESIP Task A.6.h). Building rating systems for buildings of all types, from older homes to new high rises, are now being developed. The CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program staff is working with the groups preparing these rating systems to assure that proposed rating systems will meet San Francisco’s needs. Expect to see one or more rating system proposals within the next few months.

Update to the Community Safety Element Adopted

The Board of Supervisors, following the lead of the Planning Commission, unanimously adopted an update to the Community Safety Element of San Francisco’s General Plan that incorporates many earthquake resilience goals, including those outlined in the CAPSS work. Thank much to Planning Department and Department of Emergency Management staff for their help in preparing this document.

Shelter-in-Place and Neighborhood Support Center update

The Shelter-in-Place and the related Neighborhood Support Center concepts focus on keeping San Franciscans in their homes, in their neighborhoods, and informed and supported after an earthquake. This will empower communities, reduce the demand for emergency housing, and facilitate a more rapid recovery. The Department of Emergency Management, SF SAFE, the Neighborhood Empowerment Network, SPUR, CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program and many other groups and agencies have worked together to prepare demonstration programs, work which is actively continuing (ESIP Task A.4.b). More details on this coming soon!

A few of the other CAPSS/ Earthquake Safety Implementation Program programs underway:

• Demonstration of one- and two-family home earthquake improvements (ESIP Task A.6.b)
• Focus on earthquake improvements for economically-disadvantaged San Franciscans (ESIP Task A.6.e)
• Provide information and assistance about renter’s insurance and other insurance (ESIP Task A.1.b)

Thank you for your continued support of CAPSS and our Earthquake Safety Implementation Program.

Laurence Kornfield
Special Assistant to the City Administrator
laurence@kornfield.org

Patrick Otellini
Director of Earthquake Safety
patrick.otellini@sfgov.org

Micah Hilt
Earthquake Safety Implementation Program
micah.hilt@sfgov.org

 Click to follow the CAPSS Program on Facebook!

UPDATE: Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Law

BOMA San Francisco Members:

UPDATE - December 19, 2012

Our members' work with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition on the Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance was recently mentioned in The Atlantic.

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UPDATE - August 30, 2012

The Department of Environment has published  information regarding the Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance online.  Click here to access the webpage.  Click here to access the Bicycle Access Plan form.

If you would like to file for a qualified exemption under the law, the DOE is still developing that form.  Feel free to contact the Department for questions regarding exemptions and the process to file for one until the online form is available.

Our Department of Environment partners can be reached at (415) 355-3727 or CommuteSmart@sfgov.org

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UPDATE - June 7, 2012

Your BOMA Advocacy Team held a conference call with the staff of the San Francisco Department of Environment (DOE), the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and Supervisor John Avalos' office this afternoon.  The purpose of the call was to discuss the development of the Bicycle Access Plan (BAP) as required by the Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Law and clarifications to DOE guidelines.  BOMA thanks all of the stakeholders for their time today.

Once the BAP has been approved by the DOE, your BOMA Advocacy Team will publish it on the blog, the www.bomasf.org website and our social media channels for you to fill out and distribute to your tenants.   At that time, we will also include instructions  on notifying your tenants of this new law and the availability of the BAP.

Supervisor Avalos is planning to introduce follow-up legislation to amend language in the current law.  Specifically, references to planning code sections that will be updated by the Planning Department this year and to remove references to subtenants - all stakeholders have agreed that this legislation is intended for only commercial building tenants of record that request bicycle parking.

We published the 'next steps' for BOMA members, below, on the blog recently.  Please take a moment to re-review this information as some of it has been updated:

What are the next steps for BOMA San Francisco Members?

Please click here to access a FAQ sheet to review what this ordinance now requires of commercial building owners and managers.  BOMA members (and non-BOMA members) will, at a tenant’s request, now have to:

• Allow bicycles to be brought into the tenant space/or into a bike room on site for tenant employees only.
• A building owner and manager will have to allow bicycles in the building without restriction (e.g., no prescription on path of travel, elevator use), but if they choose to restrict full access in anyway, they must fill out a Bicycle Access Plan (BAP)  provided by San Francisco Department of Environment. The form does not have to be submitted to the City. NOTE: as previously mentioned, the San Francisco Department of Environment is currently developing the BAP. 
• For example, if a building owner and manager chooses to restrict bicycle access to a secure bike room they must detail the location of the parking area and access to it in a BAP.
• OR a building owner and manager can fully restrict bicycle access to the building based specific exceptions as detailed in the new law.  
• If the building owner wants to file an exception to bicycle access to the building, there are two allowable exceptions in the law: 1) building elevators not available due to unique safety risks or 2) alternate no-cost secure parking is available within a prescribed distance.  More details in the ordinance. 
• The Department of Environment will have to review and approve an exception application based on recommendation from - referencing the aforementioned exceptions - 1) The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (SFDBI) OR 2) the San Francisco Municipal Transpiration Agency. 
• NOTE: There may be a fee for the SFDBI to conduct an inspection assessed the building owner or manager requesting the exemption.  

The new law does not require building owners to build a bike room or dedicate a specific space for bicycle parking. It allows the tenant’s employees to bring their bikes inside their rented space or provide an alternative.  If a building owner chooses to build a bike room, this legislation does not prohibit charging a reasonable fee for use.

If you have any questions please contact John Bozeman at johnb@boma.com or (415) 686-9652 x 116.  Our Department of Environment partners can be reached at (415) 355-3727 or CommuteSmart@sfgov.org

How to Finance Energy Improvements in Commercial Buildings in California with PACE

BOMA San Francisco Members:

With the launch of CaliforniaFIRST, financing energy improvements in commercial buildings are now more attractive.  Indeed, about 70% of California is now covered by a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program for the commercial building sector. These innovative financing mechanisms can help unlock capital for energy saving projects, including solar and energy efficiency retrofits.

An upcoming webinar is designed to help commercial building owners and energy contractors better understand how the PACE programs work.

• Case study of success -- Rich Chien of GreenFinanceSF will present a case study of a recently completed $1.4 million upgrade to Prologis’s HQ on Pier 1 in San Francisco. 
• CaliforniaFIRST program mechanics -- Simon Bryce of Renewable Funding (the program administrator) will outline how the process works and who can participate. 
• Financing -- Derek Brown of Clean Fund will provide details of the financing: what is the value proposition? How to get lender consent? Why is PACE is attractive to building owners?

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. PST

To register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/876581584

BOMA International Advocacy Update - The Fiscal Cliff Negotiations Continue

The Fiscal Cliff

With just over two weeks until the end of the year, the Republicans and President Obama have yet to reach an agreement that many believe will help avert a significant economic downturn or, in common parlance, the fiscal cliff. Without an agreement, it is believed that the combination of tax increases and spending cuts that could go into effect would be the catalyst to another recession in 2013.

BOMA International continues to be concerned about these negotiations, as they impact the commercial real estate industry and the overall economy.  BOMA also continues to advocate for further extension of the recently expired 15–year leasehold depreciation provision. With Congress poised to address comprehensive tax reform beginning next year that likely will be a multi–year effort, failure to act on the extenders this year could lead to additional uncertainty on the fate of these more short–term, yet important, measures.

Visit BOMA’s Legislative Action Center and tell Congress to pass extension of the 15–year leasehold depreciation provision.

SFMTA Accessible Parking Policy Advisory Committee

BOMA San Francisco Members:

BOMA San Francisco's Government and Public Affairs Committee (GAPAC) member Jeff Spicker with Parking Concepts Inc. will volunteer his time and expertise as BOMA's representative on the SFMTA Accessible Parking Policy Advisory Committee.  Mr. Spicker will provide updates on the group's discussions and actions to members of the GAPAC when warranted.

The Accessible Parking Policy Advisory Committee will review and make recommendations regarding on-street accessible parking policies, including those governing disabled placards and blue zones. These issues affect access and mobility for people with disabilities in San Francisco, whether they travel by car, paratransit, or public transit.

Accessible parking policies affect all transportation in the city: when parking is crowded, drivers circle the block and double-park, congesting the streets, slowing transit, and decreasing pedestrian safety. When parking is difficult to find, access is reduced, especially for those with disabilities.

To improve access, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) would like to assess and improve how it manages accessible parking. The problem of too much demand for too few spaces is critical: San Francisco has 29,200 metered on-street parking spaces but 60,750 disabled placards have been issued in San Francisco as of November 2012, with an additional 453,830 issued in the surrounding eight Bay Area counties. With these numbers, it is important to gather stakeholders to assess accessible parking policies and consider solutions.

Please click here to review the Accessible Parking Policy Advisory Committee summary.

Transbay Transit Center Upcoming Community Meeting: Transbay Construction Activities

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Excavation of the Transbay Transit Center site is moving forward ad the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) would like to invite you to come to their next community meeting to see what's taking place. 

Join them on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 to learn more about construction activities, mass excavation and internal bracing, temporary bridges, street closures, hours of activity, and the fast approaching end of the buttress shoring wall construction. The community meeting will be held from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 p.m. at the TJPA’s offices located at 201 Mission Street, Suite 2100. They welcome you to bring food or drinks to this meeting.

What: Community Meeting: Transbay Construction Update 

When: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 

Time: 12:00 Noon 

Where: Transbay Joint Powers Authority 

201 Mission Street, Suite 2100 

San Francisco, CA 94105 

For more information about the Transbay Transit Center Project or to sign up to receive construction updates, visit www.transbaycenter.org.

San Francisco HOPE Director Bevan Dufty Speaks to BOMA San Francisco Members

BOMA San Francisco Members,

Former District 8 San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty spoke to the members of BOMA San Francisco's Government and Public Affairs Committee (GAPAC) recently.  Mayor Ed Lee appointed Mr. Dufty in 2012 as the Director of Housing Opportunity, Partnerships and Engagement (HOPE).

As Director of HOPE, Mr. Dufty will lead the City and County of San Francisco's efforts to help those in need.   Click here to read a HOPE Status Report detailing Mr. Dufty's vision for HOPE.

Mercury Thermostat Recycling

BOMA San Francisco Members:

On January 1, 2006, State of California law banned the sale of new mercury-added thermostats for most uses. The Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008 requires manufacturers to establish a collection and recycling program individually or with other manufacturers for out of service mercury-added thermostats.

References

• Assembly Bill 2347, the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008
• Fact Sheet on Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008
• Draft regulations and how you can participate (The Regulations for Mercury Thermostat Collection Rate Requirements are currently under development.) 
• Assessment and Survey Results from the DTSC Office of Criminal Investigations regarding the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act.

A listing of hazardous waste collection facilities is also available and is sorted by city. The Thermostat Recycling Corporation also maintains a list of thermostat collection points. Please refer to the Universal Waste Regulations for information on how to properly manage your unwanted mercury thermostats.

Click here to visit the California Department of Toxic Substances Control website and for a helpful instructional video regarding recycling.

BOMA International Advocacy Update - Tell Congress to Pass Tax Extenders Legislation Before 2013

At the end of 2011, the 15 year timeline for depreciating leasehold improvements and a number of other business tax breaks commonly referred to as tax extenders expired and were not renewed for 2012 by Congress. Consequently, building owners have had to return to depreciating leasehold improvements on a 39-year schedule. In an attempt to increase the urgency of the matter, BOMA International, along with 1,500 other organizations, sent a letter to Congress asking that the extenders package be passed before the end of the year. BOMA International is requesting your help in its efforts to educate Congress and urge immediate passage of the tax extenders package.

Visit BOMA’s Legislative Action Center and contact your legislators today.

RESULTS: November 6, 2012 VOTER GUIDE - BOMA SF-PAC Candidate Endorsements & Positions on City Propositions

UPDATE - November 29, 2012

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The November 2012 election was one for the history books, with an African-American President easily winning a second term and a record turnout from voters nationwide.  In California, Democrats took control of the state Legislature and win more seats in Congress.  For folks in the commercial real estate industry, the prospects of a successful push by the Democrats for a split-roll property tax has our industry alarmed. If Proposition 13 is not dissected, there are sure to be other efforts to increase taxes on business properties.

At the local level, the clear winner was San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, who scored 100% on all of the city propositions he supported or opposed. The city college parcel tax, the parks bond and the Housing Trust Fund measure passed. The Gross Receipts Tax measure also passed. Lastly, the measure to spend millions on studying ways to restore Hetch Hetchy Valley was defeated.

With regard to the supervisoral races, two progressive incumbents, John Avalos and David Campos, had no opposition and subsequently won their respective reelections.  District 1 incumbent, Eric Mar, easily won reelection even though small business person David Lee, his BOMA supported challenger, ran a good campaign.   BOMA’s support was principally channeled through our membership with the Alliance for Jobs and Sustainable Growth, a coalition of business and labor groups focused on  creating jobs and expanding the local tax base.  BOMA also supported Mike Garcia, a retired options trader and former member of the San Francisco Board of Appeals, for Supervisor in District 7. This seat will be vacated by termed-out Supervisor Sean Elsbernd, who had endorsed Garcia. Sadly, Garcia placed third, and the winner, Norman Yee, current Chair of the San Francisco Board of Education, inched out second-place union leader F.X. Crowley.  A recount effort may occur in the near-term.

The only supervisor race that gave any encouragement to moderate voters was District 5, where London Breed, a native of the district, won in a multi-candidate race, against recently-appointed and current Supervisor Christina Olague.  Olague had managed to alienate both progressive and moderate voters with her erratic positions on various issues. BOMA strongly supported David Chiu for reelection in District 3, as he has been an exemplary leader as the Board of Supervisors President, and someone who has successfully worked across the aisle to forge compromises and get things done. He won reelection easily.

In summary, our industry's results were mixed at the local level. Consequently, our political leadership believes that it's time for BOMA and its sister business organizations to do a better job of reaching out to San Francisco voters to educate them about the value we collectively bring to the City, its tax base, jobs, job growth, philanthropy, and opportunities for a brighter future. That will be no small task.

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Original Post - September 26, 2012

The BOMA San Francisco Political Action Committee (BOMA SF-PAC) has endorsed candidates and taken positions on local ballot measures that will appear on the November 6, 2012 ballot.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Click on the image to visit the San Francisco Elections Department Voting Toolkit

BOMA San Francisco Welcomes SF Port Executive Director Monique Moyer

Monique Moyer, Port of San Francisco Executive Director

BOMA San Francisco Members,

It was an honor to welcome Port of San Francisco Executive Director Monique Moyer to BOMA's November member luncheon on November 29th.  

Ms. Moyer spoke about the history of the Port and ongoing projects:

Pier 27 Cruise Terminal Project

Northeast Wharf Plaza

The Exploratorium at Piers 15-17

Ferry Building Area Seawall Lot 351

Piers 30-32 Project

Brannan Street Wharf

Seawall Lot 337 & Pier 48

Pier 38 Rehabilitation Project

Pier 43 Promenade

Pier 70 Area 

Crane Cove Park at Pier 70

Pier 90-94 Backlands

Southern Waterfront Gateway Sites

Heron's Head Park

The EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park

The Blue Greenway

Downtown Ferry Terminal Expansion

and much more!

You can read more about the Port by visiting their website.

PG&E Tips for a Safer, More Energy Efficient Holiday Season

BOMA San Francisco Members:

As you decorate your building for the holiday season, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds business customers that, along with good cheer, holiday lights can bring hazards and added costs to energy bills. For a safe and cost-efficient holiday season, PG&E offers the following lighting tips:

• Before stringing outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines. Don’t place yourself or any object in a position where you or it may come in contact with a power line – the result can be fatal. Remember to look up before raising ladders or other objects and keep at least 10 feet away from overhead lines. 
• Consider replacing older strings of incandescent holiday lights with more energy-efficient light emitting diodes or LEDs. LED lights are shatterproof, shock resistant, and produce almost no heat, making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk of fire. LEDs can also reduce decorative lighting energy costs up to 90 percent compared to older incandescent lights. 
• Make sure lights used to decorate the outside of a  business are approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outdoors. 
• If stringing lights on outdoor trees, make sure tree limbs haven't grown into or near power lines. Branches or entire trees can become energized if they contact a power line. 
• Check all light strands for cracked or broken plugs, frayed insulation, or bare wires. Worn cords can cause fires. Discard damaged sets of lights. 
• Route cords inside your business so they won't trip anyone. Don't place them under rugs, furniture, or appliances. If covered, cords can overheat or become frayed and can cause a fire. 
• Follow the manufacturer's limits for number of strings that can safely be connected together.
• Always turn off indoor and outdoor decorative lights when closing the business, leaving the house or going to bed. 

For businesses that plan to close for two or more days during the holiday season, PG&E also offers the following energy-saving tips to save money while away: 

• Set thermostats to turn the heat off 60 minutes before closing.
• Close curtains, shades and blinds when your business is closed to help your building retain heat.
• Turn off all lights except safety and security lights. 
• Turn off all unused office equipment, including computers, monitors, printers, copiers, fax machine and scanners. 
• For electric water heaters, check the time-of-use controllers to be sure the water heater is set to turn off at closing time and on at opening time. 
• If your water-heating system includes a circulation pump, turn it off.

More information on holiday light safety and energy saving tips can be found at www.pge.com.

San Francisco Sets Example by Publishing Energy Consumption Data for over 300 City Buildings

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has published a report detailing the energy performance of over 300 of San Francisco’s municipal facilities during the calendar year of 2011, including more than 37 million square feet of building area.

Please click here to review the publication.

As the owner and occupant of hundreds of buildings, the City and County of San Francisco has chosen to lead by example and provide transparency about its own operations. By compiling the data in this report for the first time and releasing it publicly, the City hopes individual departments obtain a fresh perspective on their own facilities, in order to track energy performance successes and help focus attention and resources on buildings that may benefit the most from energy-related improvements.

This benchmarking effort is part of the SFPUC’s larger energy efficiency and green building program. Indeed, the SFPUC has completed over 150 energy efficiency projects in municipal buildings, which are saving the City approximately $4.6M each year.

Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance

The catalyst for producing this report is the San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance approved by the Board of Supervisors and signed by Mayor Edwin M. Lee in February 2011.

The ordinance requires owners of non-residential buildings over 10,000 square feet to annually benchmark and disclose the energy performance of their buildings, using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Portfolio Manager tool to obtain ENERGY STAR ratings when possible.

2009 Existing Commercial Buildings Task Force - BOMA San Francisco's Involvement 

In February 2009, then Mayor Gavin Newsom created the Existing Buildings Efficiency Initiative Task Force (Task Force), co-chaired by BOMA San Francisco's 2013 president-elect Steven Ring, to recommend policies and actions to improve the energy efficiency of existing commercial buildings in San Francisco. The Task Force continued the work of the 2007 Green Buildings Task Force that was convened by the Mayor to develop expanded green building standards for major new private construction projects in San Francisco.

The Task Force report identified seven areas as key factors to improving energy efficiency in existing commercial buildings.  The Task Force's recommendations provided the framework for the City and County of San Francisco to introduce and enact the Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance.

BOMA San Francisco's applauds the City and County of San Francisco for leading municipalities in environmental sustainability and stewardship.  BOMA members look forward to partnering with the City of San Francisco achieve it's future environmental goals.  Indeed, the Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance is a manifestation of a true private/public agency partnership.

UPDATE: Bay Area Air Quality Management District - Boiler Requirements

UPDATE- November 28, 2012

BOMA San Francisco Members:

In January 2013, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) will introduce lower emissions standards for boilers.  According to the members of BOMA San Francisco's Energy & Environment Committee, building owners and managers should be proactive and contact the BAAQMD to inquire if their boilers and generators are property permitted. If not, the replacements, e.g., broilers, offer an attractive payback potential.

At present, there are a number of commercial buildings in San Francisco that are out of compliance.  See our May 1st blog post, below, for more information and contact the BAAQMD:

Ron Pilkington
Supervising Air Quality Inspector
BAAQMD
939 Ellis St.
San Francisco, CA. 94109

(415) 749-5053
rpilkington@baaqmd.gov

--------------------

Original Post - May 1, 2012

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) limits the air pollution emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter from industrial, institutional, and commercial boilers, steam generators and process heaters, all of which are collectively known as 'boilers' as well as stationary internal combustion engines (IC Engines). The Air District Inspection Staff will conduct inspections to ensure the equipment is registered or permitted and in compliance with emission standards.

Equipment Registration

Effective January 1, 2011 boilers, steam generators or process heaters with a rated heat input >2 MM BTU/hr to <10 MM BTU/hr must be registered with BAAQMD. Please click on the link below to register this equipment.

BAAQMD - Boiler, Steam Generator, Process Heater

If you have questions regarding the registration process or using the website, contact Duncan Campbell (415)749-4722 or dcampbell@baaqmd.gov.

For Boiler FAQ’s click on the link below:

BOILER FAQ’s

Permit to Operate

Boilers, steam generators or process heaters with a rated heat input >10 MM BTU/hr and IC engines with a >50 brake horsepower require a BAAQMD permit to operate. Please click on the following links for the Instructions for Completing BAAQMD Permit Application form and the BAAQMD Permit to Operate Application form.

BAAQMD – Instructions for Completing Permit Application; BAAQMD - Permit to Operate Application Form

If you have questions regarding the permit application process contact the BAAQMD Engineering Division (415)749-4990.

For IC Engine FAQ’s click on the link below:

IC ENGINE FAQ’s

BAAQMD WEBSITE

CAPSS - Community Action Plan for Seismic Safety Update - November 2012

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program continues to work toward a more resilient San Francisco. Here is a very brief update on their activities:

• Patrick Otellini appointed Director of Earthquake Safety
• Soft-story building program final review
• Private School Earthquake Safety Working Group progress
• Upcoming CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program Public Meeting

A Message from Laurence Kornfield

Dear Friends,

Big news! The Mayor has appointed Patrick Otellini to be San Francisco’s Director of Earthquake Safety. We are fortunate to have such a qualified and enthusiastic new Director. Patrick comes to the CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program from the private sector where has spent over a decade working across the spectrum of San Francisco’s building community – he is intimately familiar with the City’s permit approval and inspection processes, building owner and user concerns, the pragmatic construction issues of costs, scheduling, and financing. He has been closely engaged in the CAPSS earthquake safety work, including serving as a committee chairperson on the 2010 Mayor’s Soft Story Task Force. Patrick, who will be working directly under City Administrator Naomi Kelly, brings passion, vitality and commitment to the position of Director of Earthquake Safety. I am thrilled that we are fortunate enough to get Patrick Otellini in this role.

I will continue to work on the CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program (ESIP) both on our ongoing programs and as an advisor to Patrick and his staff, as we embark on our challenging 30-year implementation program. I am extraordinarily grateful to have Patrick join me in the leadership of our crucial earthquake safety programs. Patrick’s commitment, the overwhelming support of the City leadership, and your continued involvement mean that we will succeed in making San Francisco a safer and more resilient city.

With much thanks,

Laurence Kornfield

Click here to download the Mayor’s Office press release.

Soft-Story Building Final Review

All of the pieces are now in place to move forward with a program to dramatically improve the safety of many of San Francisco’s most hazardous buildings. Over the next few months the Earthquake Safety Working Group will work to determine the best ways in which to implement the proposed regulations for earthquake upgrade of vulnerable soft-story buildings, focusing on buildings having five or more dwelling units and three or more stories (ESIP Task A.3.a). Much of the groundwork for these regulations was laid under the 2010 Mayor’s Soft Story Task Force. The CAPSS team is looking forward to a collaborative, consensus-based effort to make San Francisco’s housing stock more resilient and safer. More details on this in the near future.

Private Schools Earthquake Safety

A Private Schools Earthquake Safety Working Group, under volunteer chairperson Laura Samant, is studying the technical and policy issues related to the earthquake risk of private schools in San Francisco, and will propose ideas for how the City may best address private school safety (ESIP Task A.6.f). The group is exploring challenging issues such as community expectation for school safety, evaluation of earthquake risk, and potential building improvement opportunities. A report on the findings of this Working Group is to be delivered to the City Administrator and the Mayor in late 2013. If you would like to receive information about the activities of the Working Group by email or to participate in the Working Group, please contact Micah Hilt, micah.hilt@sfgov.org.

The next meeting will be in City Hall, Room 370, on December 6, 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Click here to download our notice to the private schools.

Upcoming CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program Public Meeting

December 10, 11:00 a.m. until 1: 00 p.m. at City Hall, Room 370.

Please join the CAPSS team for an update on their many CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation programs. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and to learn how you can get further involved in their activities.

Building Rating Systems

The CAPSS recommendations for improving San Francisco’s earthquake resilience were founded on an ability to evaluate or rate building earthquake performance and to effectively communicate about building performance with the public (ESIP Task A.6.h). Building rating systems for buildings of all types, from older homes to new high rises, are now being developed. The CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program staff is working with the groups preparing these rating systems to assure that proposed rating systems will meet San Francisco’s needs. Expect to see one or more rating system proposals within the next few months.

Update to the Community Safety Element Adopted

The Board of Supervisors, following the lead of the Planning Commission, unanimously adopted an update to the Community Safety Element of San Francisco’s General Plan that incorporates many earthquake resilience goals, including those outlined in the CAPSS work. Thank much to Planning Department and Department of Emergency Management staff for their help in preparing this document.

Shelter-in-Place and Neighborhood Support Center update

The Shelter-in-Place and the related Neighborhood Support Center concepts focus on keeping San Franciscans in their homes, in their neighborhoods, and informed and supported after an earthquake. This will empower communities, reduce the demand for emergency housing, and facilitate a more rapid recovery. The Department of Emergency Management, SF SAFE, the Neighborhood Empowerment Network, SPUR, CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program and many other groups and agencies have worked together to prepare demonstration programs, work which is actively continuing (ESIP Task A.4.b). More details on this coming soon!

A few of the other CAPSS/ Earthquake Safety Implementation Program programs underway:

• Demonstration of one- and two-family home earthquake improvements (ESIP Task A.6.b)
• Focus on earthquake improvements for economically-disadvantaged San Franciscans (ESIP Task A.6.e)
• Provide information and assistance about renter’s insurance and other insurance (ESIP Task A.1.b)

Thank you for your continued support of CAPSS and our Earthquake Safety Implementation Program.

Laurence Kornfield
Special Assistant to the City Administrator
laurence@kornfield.org

Patrick Otellini
Director of Earthquake Safety
patrick.otellini@sfgov.org

Micah Hilt
Earthquake Safety Implementation Program
micah.hilt@sfgov.org

Click to follow the CAPSS Program on Facebook!

Tax-Saving Mills Act in Effect for Owners of Qualifying Historic Properties

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Owners of historic properties in San Francisco are now able to take advantage of tax savings due to updates to the Mills Act, recently adopted by the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor. These changes will allow more eligible owners to take advantage of tax-saving legislation, while making it simpler and easier for owners to apply.

The Mills Act Program, a program developed to help promote the preservation of San Francisco’s historic landmarks, is considered the greatest economic incentive in California for private property owners of historic buildings.

A number of changes are now in effect including:

• A timeline for processing applications in an effort to ensure timely completion; 
• A reduction in application fees: 
• from $9,159 for residential properties, to $2500 
• from $18,310 for commercial properties, to $5000 

“These changes will improve access to the program, reduce processing costs and time and streamline the coordination between city departments, all of which makes it easier for owners to benefit from this program,” said Planning Director, John Rahaim.

These legislative changes aim to increase the number of Mills Act applications, specifically by small-scale residential and commercial properties. Other cities across the state have seen a positive impact on the reinvestment in historic properties and providing financial assistance, especially to single-family homes, small-scale residential and commercial properties due to this legislation. For example, San Diego has 1,100 active contracts; Los Angeles currently has 601 active contracts; and Oakland’s program, which began in 2008, has 24 active contracts. To date, San Francisco only has 6 contracts in effect.

For more information on the program, visit www.sfplanning.org.

BOMA California Legislative Update - 2013 CEQA Reform

California Environmental Quality Act Reform - 2013

California's elected leaders have publicly proclaimed to support CEQA reform in 2013. BOMA California is part of a broad coalition of business groups, schools, local governments, and others pushing comprehensive CEQA modernization. It is paramount that the state maintain CEQA’s original intent of environmental protection, while limiting abuses of the law that unnecessarily hinder economic growth and job creation.

Here are the policy principles for CEQA modernization that BOMA California is pursuing:

* Integrate environmental and planning laws;
* Eliminate duplication;
* Focus CEQA litigation on compliance with environmental and planning laws;
* Enhance public disclosure and accountability.

California needs to modernize CEQA to conform with California’s comprehensive environmental laws and regulations that preserve the environmental protections while preventing CEQA abuses that jeopardize community renewal, job-creation and the environment.

BOMA California - 2012 Year End Legislative Highlights

BOMA San Francisco Members:

During the 2012 legislative session, BOMA California and the commercial real estate industry had great successes on a number of key issues including a major reform to the state’s Americans with Disabilities (ADA) law, stopping an effort to implement a split roll property tax and crafting a workable Green Building code. 

BOMA California representatives were involved in 494 pieces of legislation introduced at the California State Capitol. Of the 67 bills deemed a high priority, three we supported were sponsored; two we opposed were signed by the Governor. 

The following are are just some of the highlights from 2012:

ADA Reform Signed by the Governor - Governor Jerry Brown has signed our ADA reform measure, SB 1186 that will curb lawsuit abuse regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act while promoting increased compliance with disabled accessibility building codes. This bill is being hailed as the most comprehensive and significant reform to California’s ADA law.  California has 40 percent of the nation’s ADA lawsuits but only 12 percent of the country’s disabled population.

Rewrite of the Accessibility Code - In conjunction with the success of SB 1186, BOMA California representatives have worked closely with the California Building Standards Commission to clarify and rewrite accessibility code provisions for all commercial and state-owned buildings. The state will use the federal provisions as the basis for California’s updated code with appropriate amendments where California’s code is more stringent. This major regulatory overhaul will significantly reduce the number of ADA lawsuits filed.

CEQA Reform - BOMA California members have focused on a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform package for several years. In 2012, we have engaged in a slightly different legislative strategy and organizations such as the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and the California Alliance for Jobs have taken highly visible public leadership roles in pushing for comprehensive CEQA reform.

Spit Roll Property Tax– For three years, BOMA California has helped keep proposed measures to eliminate protections of Proposition 13 for commercial real estate from reaching the Governor's desk. This latest attempt would have enacted an immediate 55% increase in all private non-residential state property taxes.  As part of the Californians Against Higher Property Taxes, BOMA California pressured groups pushing this split roll property tax measure to desist.

Mandatory Benchmarking – BOMA California has led the effort to write reasonable regulations implementing the state’s mandatory building benchmarking law. Prior to input from commercial real estate industry experts, the draft regulations were very onerous and cumbersome.  Due to BOMA California's involvement, many issues have been resolved, and revisions have been delayed several times in order to allow regulators and the industry time to prepare.

Green Building Codes – After thwarting several attempts to mandate LEED standards statewide for all commercial buildings, BOMA California has helped direct efforts appropriately to the California Building Standards Committee. BOMA led an industry wide effort to engage our experts in the public process and helped shape the nation’s first statewide green building code (known as CALGreen). These codes balance environmental issues with economic feasibility and current technology to provide the industry a reasonable standard.  CALGreen is now being updated for the third time thanks to BOMA California's efforts.

Financing for Energy Efficiency – We worked closely with the State Controller to craft a bill to make it more attractive for local governments to offer low loan interest rates to business owners for energy and water efficiency improvements to existing buildings.

Zero Net Energy - A zero net energy building is one which produces its entire annual energy needs from on-site sources (solar photovoltaic). A recent study sponsored by the industry showed that many commercial buildings – even the most energy-efficient – simply do not have enough roof space to sustain the amount of PV that would be needed to meet this requirement.  Due to ongoing concerns expressed by a number of groups, the California Energy Commission has again withdrawn a recent proposal to adopt a Zero Net Energy proposal by way of adding a third tier to CALGreen. While voluntary at the state level, the CalGreen tiers are routinely adopted as mandatory by local cities and counties. 

BOMA Members PG&E and the Transamerica Pyramid Center: A Model in Integrated Energy Management

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Please take a moment to watch the video, above, that highlights two BOMA San Francisco members: PG&E and the Transamerica Pyramid Center.

The Transamerica Pyramid Center has worked closely with PG&E to identify and receive incentives to reduce energy consumed by their buildings.  They've accomplished this by updating the lighting and HVAC equipment and installing a co-generation system that provides about 70 percent of the building's electricity, as well as all its space heating and hot water needs. In addition, the Center participates in a demand response program, shedding load on days when electricity usage is high across the state.

UPDATE: San Francisco Mobile Food Facilities Permits - Legislation Introduced to Address Current Issues

UPDATE - November 6, 2012

Please click on the links below review to measures that Supervisor Scott Wiener has introduced at the Board of Supervisors regarding Mobile Food Facilities.

• Mobile Food Facilities at Certain Institutions in Specified Districts
• Mobile Food Facilities – Locational Requirements
• Transportation Code - Selling or Distributing from a Vehicle Restrictions 

These measures, in aggregate, will amend existing regulations for Mobile Food Facilities (MFF or food trucks) to eliminate the current 'like food' consideration for appeals to MFF permit applications.  Indeed, it's the only consideration for a permit appeal at present - i.e., a food truck selling like food that is similar to an adjacent brick and mortar establishment.  The ordinance will also specify distances between trucks, the parking duration and add significant areas throughout San Francisco for MFF operators to sell food. 

Your BOMA San Francisco Advocacy team urges you to review these documents and critique them for content and effectiveness.  Send your comments to kenc@boma.com and johnb@boma.com.  The measure will be sent to the Board of Supervisors' Land Use and Economic Development Committee for a minimum of 30 days before being further considered or amended.

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Original Post - May 21, 2012

Click here to go to an interactive real-time map of approved and requested Moblie Food Permits 

BOMA San Francisco Members:

NOTE - the San Francisco Department of Public Works (SFDPW) has been updating interested parties regarding approved and requested (i.e., Notices of Intent) Mobile Food Facilities permits.  Please bookmark the following webpage and continue to review it for updated information on the status of requested permits near your property: http://bsm.sfdpw.org/mobilefoodpermits/.

Notices of Intent (NOI) detail locations, hours of operation, and menus for a proposed Mobile Food Facility permit.  In addition to the interactive map, you can also download a list of NOI Mobile Food Facility permits by visiting the SFDPW webpage and clicking on NOI - Status.

Your BOMA San Francisco Advocacy team is continuing to work tenaciously with BOMA members, Supervisor Scott Wiener and his staff and the SFDPW staff to assuage the various issues that BOMA members have had with regard to the proliferation of Mobile Food Facilities in the Financial District and adjacent Districts.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Ken Cleaveland at kenc@boma.com and John Bozeman at johnb@boma.com.

Upcoming PG&E Benchmarking Classes - November 20th

Benchmarking Energy Use in Commercial Buildings

San Francisco – November 20, 8:30am – 12:30pm 

Register here

Sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company

AIA 4.0 HSW/SD and GBCI 4.0 CE (LEED)

California law (AB 1103) will soon require the disclosure of an energy performance benchmarking score prior to selling, refinancing, or leasing certain whole buildings. Learn how to benchmark your building's energy performance with the help of PG&E's Automated Benchmarking Service – a free, easy-to-use service that automatically sends your commercial building's energy use information to the EPA's ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager every month. This class will include a hands-on benchmarking exercise using portable WiFi hotspots so that attendees can evaluate an actual building from start to finish and see the ENERGY STAR score.

You’ve Benchmarked Your Building: What’s Next?

San Francisco – November 20, 1:00pm – 4:30pm 

Register here

Sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company

AIA 3.5 HSW/SD and GBCI 3.5 CE (LEED)

Getting your building's benchmarking score is just the beginning. This course explores how to set targets for improvement: estimating the actual amount of energy savings needed to reach a higher score; which low-cost and no-cost or capital upgrades might produce various magnitudes of savings; which utility incentive programs could help identify or finance those improvements; etc. It's not about what your building's score is today—it's about what you want that score to be and how to get it there!

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee Speaks to BOMA San Francisco Members

BOMA San Francisco's Executive Vice President, Marc Intermaggio and Mayor Ed Lee 

BOMA San Francisco Members:

BOMA San Francisco's Annual Member Luncheon was held recently and our speaker was the honorable San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. Did you know that the Mayor declared October 25, 2012 as Marc Intermaggio Day in San Francisco? Mayor Lee delivered a proclamation confirming that BOMA's Executive Vice President of 30+ years has earned it!

Mayor Lee also spoke on a number of important issues.

Support for Proposition B on the local ballot - the Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond.  BOMA San Francisco's Political Action Committee (BOMA SF-PAC) supports this initiative.  

NO on Proposition F - Save the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.  The BOMA SF-PAC also opposes this initiative.

The future San Francisco Warriors stadium and San Francisco's 2016 Super Bowl bid.

Lastly, Mr. Lee is focused on jobs and finding ways to create them.  With employment improving under his watch, he mentioned how much commercial building vacancies in San Francisco's commercial corridors bother him - the Mayor would much rather see them filled with small businesses that contribute to job creation for San Franciscans. 

We thank Mayor Ed Lee for taking time out of his demanding schedule to speak to BOMA San Francisco members. 

Better Market Street Update: BOMA Members Speak with Kris Opbroek - Project Manager

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The BOMA San Francisco Government and Public Affairs Committee (GAPAC) met recently with Kris Opbroek, Project Manager for the Better Market Street project. Note that multiple San Francisco City Departments are a part of this update to Market Street.

BOMA members would like to be continue to be a partner with the Better Market Street team in helping to identify the best practices to improving Market Street and help find solutions to issues of concern going forward. Special thanks to GAPAC Department/Commission Outreach Subcommittee Chair, Warren Mead for organizing this meeting.

Discussion Points

This a long-term project (breaking ground in 2016, at the earliest), and BOMA members discussed near-term concerns for the various department staff to consider as they move forward in the information gathering phase of this effort:

• The homeless population. How can you improve Market Street (adding parklets, nodes and general public gathering spaces) without considering the existing homeless population? 
• Impact of future design and construction on the ground-floor businesses that line and/or are immediately adjacent to Market Street. 
• Maintenance costs after build out – who pays? 
• All forms of conveyance should be considered when improving Market Street.  North/south travel across Market should be carefully reviewed. 
• Continuous outreach to the business community and other stakeholder groups to be sure that the City understands the issues of concern before final design consideration and construction. 

BOMA San Francisco members live and/or work in the City and County of San Francisco and they care deeply about improving the social and economic prospects for all San Franciscans. To help Market Street should not only benefit our members; the improvements should be a boon to all who work, live and visit this great city.

We look forward to working with Kris as this project moves forward. If you have any comments, please send them to wmead@lucasfilm.com and johnb@boma.com.

San Francisco City Administrator Naomi Kelly Speaks to BOMA Members

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The BOMA San Francisco Government and Public Affairs Committee (GAPAC) recently welcomed San Francisco City Administrator, Naomi Kelly.

Administrator Kelly spoke about her new role and how she is an advocate for government efficiency. 

Here are a few recent highlights from the City Administrator's website:

• Invest in Neighborhoods:  Co-Chaired the Invest in Neighborhoods program to identify and provide much needed resources to our communities.
• Community Benefits:  Successfully signed a Community Benefits Agreement with Zendesk and convened the Central Market and Tenderloin Area Citizens Advisory Committee.
• Moscone Expansion:  Moved forward the architectural and design phase of Moscone expansion.
• Local Hire:  In addition to implementing the first year of the Local Hire ordinance and surpassing our goal, Naomi's office oversaw the selection of a new CityBuild Director.

It was a great opportunity for BOMA Members to get to know the Administrator.  BOMA San Francisco members appreciated her time.

About Naomi Kelly

On February 7, 2012, Naomi M. Kelly was sworn in by Mayor Edwin M. Lee to serve as the City Administrator for a five year term for the City and County of San Francisco. As City Administrator, Ms. Kelly oversees the City’s General Services Agency consisting of 20 departments, divisions, and programs including the Department of Public Works, Department of Technology, Administrative Services, Office of Contract Administration/Purchasing, Real Estate, County Clerk, 311, Fleet Management, Convention Facilities, Animal Care and Control, Medical Examiner, Treasure Island, and more. The General Services Agency has an annual budget of over $450 million and approximately 2,100 employees. In this capacity, Ms. Kelly’s objective is to ensure responsible fiscal management and accountability to those who pay taxes for our local government to provide essential services.

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Kelly was the Deputy City Administrator where she, assisted Mayor Lee in rolling out the City’s new local hiring policy by preparing and working closely with City departments, contractors, and the broader community to ensure compliance with the new legislation. The new policy required contractors performing public works or other capital improvement projects to meet mandatory levels of San Francisco resident participation that support the local economy.

In 2004, Ms. Kelly was appointed the City Purchaser and Director of the Office of Contract Administration by Mayor Gavin Newsom. Ms. Kelly managed the procurement of approximately $250 million in materials and supplies and approved approximately $500 million of professional service contracts that support the operations of city services in a fair and transparent manner. She also improved the department’s performance by enhancing and streamlining the procurement procedures.

Ms. Kelly’s career as a public servant began as Special Assistant in the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, in the Mayor’s Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs under Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. and served as the City’s Executive Director of the Taxicab Commission. In this leadership capacity, she managed the Department regulating the $150 million taxicab industry.

Ms. Kelly is the first woman and African American to serve as City Administrator of the City and County of San Francisco. Ms. Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from New York University, and her law degree from the University of San Francisco. She is an attorney admitted to practice in the State of California. She is a native of San Francisco and presently resides in the city with her husband, Harlan Kelly Jr., the General Manager of the Public Utilities Commission, and her two sons.