Thursday, March 29, 2012

BOMA International Advocacy Update - Congress Reviews Tax Extenders Review, GSA Operation and Maintenance Requirement, CMBS Loan Case, Building Access for Union Activities



BOMA San Francisco Members:

Please take a moment to review a brief advocacy update from our BOMA International Team:

Congress to Begin Review of Tax ‘Extenders’ Next Month

House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) and Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee Chairman Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) announced last week that they would begin taking a look at the various tax ‘extenders’ that expired at the end of 2011 in a hearing in late April. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D- Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) entered into a colloquy earlier this month on the need to find a way to address these same expiring provisions. BOMA International continues to work with a broad coalition of interests asking that these provisions be extended as soon as possible for at least 2012, if not longer.

GSA Operation and Maintenance Requirement – Your Feedback Needed

The General Services Administration (GSA) is currently in the process of updating the National Operations and Maintenance specification. They are seeking industry input from operations and maintenance vendors already under contract with GSA or those interested in working with GSA in the future. Industry input is valuable in helping develop requirements that improve GSA's facilities, reduce costs and simplify the contractor’s ability to maintain GSA facilities.

Please review the request for information and respond per the instructions.

Precedent Setting CMBS Loan Case Continues with BOMA Support

BOMA International and BOMA/Metro Detroit have filed an Amicus Brief in the Michigan Supreme Court to reverse a Michigan Court of Appeals’ decision involving the interpretation of loan agreements used for commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS). Funded with assistance from the Industry Defense Fund, the brief challenges a Circuit Court decision that changes a loan from non-recourse, which has no guaranty and is secured only by the mortgage on the property, to a recourse loan, where there would be personal liability. This case could severely impact nearly $700 billion in CMBS loans that are currently outstanding and threaten an already fragile commercial real estate market.

BOMA International and BOMA/Metro Detroit were joined on the brief by the International Council of Shopping Centers, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, NAIOP-The Commercial Real Estate Development Association, the National Multi Housing Council and the National Apartment Association.

NLRB Case of Building Access for Union Activities Being Appealed

An appeal is under way to attempt to reverse a decision made last year that significantly impacts how building owners handle union protestors on their property. In the case, “New York New York Hotel & Casino,” the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found that the Las Vegas casino violated federal labor law by prohibiting off-duty employees of restaurants inside the casino from distributing handbills on casino property. The handbills sought public support for the organizing efforts of employees of the restaurants, which are operated by a contractor inside the New York New York Hotel & Casino. Because of this case, it may now be possible for off-duty contractors to obtain similar access to common areas in other commercial buildings for various union-related activities. A decision on the appeal will likely come later this year.

BOMA SF-PAC Endorses Michael Breyer for California Assembly - District 19


Michael Breyer and BOMA SF-PAC Chair Jim Christian
BOMA San Francisco Members:

The BOMA San Francisco Political Action Committee (BOMA SF-PAC) has endorsed Michael Breyer for California Assembly, District 19

Mr. Breyer is a San Francisco Library Commissioner, the son of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and is a Stanford University graduate.  He is a firm believer in the spirit of entrepreneurship as he is the co-founder of Courtroom Connect.  Mr. Breyer is also the founder of the Draft Ed Lee campaign.  

In the Assembly seat Mr. Breyer will focus on:
  • Stimulating economic growth in the great State of California;
  • Bringing innovation in the school system;
  • Statewide pension reform;
  • And, much more!
The BOMA SF-PAC is honored to endorse Michael Breyer for California Assembly, District 19.  

UPDATE: BOMA SF-PAC Reception in Support of Mayor Ed Lee




UPDATE - March 29, 2012

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Mayor Ed Lee and BOMA San Francisco President Meade Boutwell

BOMA San Francisco's Political Action Committee held a reception for Mayor Ed Lee on March 28, 2012 at the beautiful office of Kilroy Realty located at 100 First Street in San Francisco.  BOMA members we're honored to meet and converse with the Mayor.  Please click here to view pictures from the event.

Mayor Lee spoke about his focus on providing an environment that fosters economic development in San Francisco - a key issue as The City is viewed as the incubator of technology companies in the Bay Area.  Indeed, the Mayor mentioned the newly created San Francisco Citizens Initiative for Technology & Innovation (sf.citi), an organization that leverages the collective power of the technology sector into a force for civic action in San Francisco. This new initiative brings together city government and San Francisco’s technology community with a collective mission to improve the city and the technology sector.

BOMA San Francisco members recognize that our local commercial real estate industry is a strong one  because of the increased demand for office space by technology companies.  

Mr. Lee thanked BOMA San Francisco members for their continued support. As the organization that represents the commercial real estate industry in San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo Counties, BOMA looks forward to working with Mayor Lee on issues that concern the City and County of San Francisco and our industry.

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Original Post - March 29, 2012

You are Cordially Invited to a Reception in Support of

Mayor Edwin Lee
of San Francisco

Host Committee

Jim Christian, DRA Advisors
John Combs, C & C RiverRock Newmark Property Services
Nick Dutto, Metropolitan Electric Company
Nancy Gille, Real Systems
Drew Gordon, Hudson-Pacific Properties
Tim Falvey, Hanford Freund & Company
Tom Hart, Shorenstein Realty Services
Kathy Mattes, CBRE, Inc.
Mike Sanford, Kilroy Realty
Bruce Schilling, SAM – Sustainability and More

Wednesday, March 28, 2012
5:00 to 6:30 P.M.

the Office of Kilroy Realty
100 First Street
San Francisco, California

$500 Sponsor Ticket
$250 Friend Ticket
To contribute on-line go to: http://mayoredlee.info/s/BOMAMarch28/

To R.S.V.P. or if you have any questions contact Stefanie Roumeliotes at rsvp@sgrconsultants.com or (415) 402-0303.


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Draft Regulations Implementing AB 1103 - Notice of Proposed Action

BOMA San Francisco Members:

UPDATE - March 27, 2012

Please review the Notice of Proposed Action from the California Energy Commision (CEC) which revises the timeline of implementation of California Assembly Bill 1103 (AB 1103). In summary, the revised timeline is as follows:
  • January 1, 2013 - Buildings 50,000 SF and greater (buildings 1,000 SF and greater that are solely occupied by the owner);
  • July 1, 2013 - Buildings 10,000 SF to 49,999 SF;
  • January 1, 2014 - Buildings 5,000 to 9,999 SF.
Please email John Bozeman at johnb@boma.com if you have any comments or questions regarding AB 1103.  

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Original Post - March 15, 2010

Regulations for AB 1103, California’s historic building benchmarking law, are in the final process of being prepared by the California Energy Commission staff for the formal adoption process. We are seeking input from our BOMA San Francisco members to make sure the implementation of this historic law is a success. Click here to read the draft regulations. Please send feedback, suggestions, and questions, to BOMA California representative Matthew Hargrove at mhargrove@cbpa.com and Ken Cleaveland, BOMA San Francisco's Director of Government and Public Affairs at kenc@boma.com.

AB 1103 was originally passed in 2007 and requires non-residential building owners to disclose their Energy Star rating to a buyer, lessee, or lender. This regulation was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2010; however, due to legal concerns regarding disclosing utility data, and how to deal with certain building types (such as triple net lease situations), the measure has been delayed to allow the California Energy Commission and its Benchmark Workgroup to write implementation regulations. BOMA California serves on the workgroup that is helping regulators craft policy, and expect final adoption sometime in Summer 2010, taking effect for buildings larger than 50,000 s.f. no earlier than January 1, 2011.

UPDATE: Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance - Upcoming Workshops



BOMA San Francisco Members:

UPDATE - March 27, 2012

April First is No Joke for Commercial Buildings

Do you need help complying with the San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance? April 1st is the deadline to benchmark any building larger than 25,000 square feet. To help you meet the deadline, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is hosting a Beat the Clock Benchmarking Lab on Thursday, March 29th.

Join them for a short lesson on how to benchmark your building, followed by self-paced laboratory hours to help you complete the benchmark process from start to finish.  Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide individual attention.  In the afternoon, PG&E will host a special session of What's Next After Benchmarking to unleash the value of your energy data.

Click here or see our previous blog post, below, to learn more about the ordinance.

Benchmarking is the best way to both measure and manage your building’s energy usage.  In addition to benchmarking your building to comply with the San Francisco benchmark ordinance, you will also be prepared for upcoming changes in California law.  Assembly Bill 1103 (AB 1103) will soon require the disclosure of building energy performance benchmark scores prior to the sale, refinance, or lease of certain whole buildings.

Beat the Clock Benchmarking Lab - Sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company

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(R) Portfolio Manager every month. You will also learn how to submit your annual benchmark summary report to the San Francisco Department of Environment.

The lab kicks off with a special abbreviated “just the facts,” benchmarking training, then a self-paced hands-on lab session with a cadre of technical experts to help you get your portfolio benchmarked.

Admission is free, but there is one prerequisite: you must come prepared with a completed Data Collection Worksheet (or your preferred way of bringing this key info.)   A limited number of loaner laptops will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please bring your laptop.  You will have time to complete the data entry for multiple buildings during this portion of the class.

Breakfast and beverages will be provided.

Getting your building's benchmarking score is just the beginning. In the afternoon session, What's Next After Benchmarking, we will explain how to set targets for improvement: estimate the actual amount of energy savings needed to reach a higher score; explore which low-/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 your building's score today -- it's about what you want that score to be and how to get it there!

     Sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company
     9:00 AM – Noon*
     EEFG Training Center
     657 Mission Street, Suite 200
     San Francisco, CA 94105


     Sponsored by Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
     12: 30 PM – 4:00 PM
     EEFG Training Center
     657 Mission Street, Suite 200
     San Francisco, CA 94105

*If you have previously completed benchmarking training and would like to attend only the laboratory hours for individual help, please plan to arrive at 10:00 AM

About the San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance

Energy is the single, largest controllable operating cost in commercial facilities. The Existing Commercial Building Energy Performance Ordinance is helping San Francisco cut energy costs, which in turn helps the environment, increases building value, and improves the competitiveness of local real estate. The policy reflects the recommendations of real estate professionals, building managers, engineers, and contractors about how to empower decision-makers with the essential information to make smart decisions about energy management.

The ordinance has two requirements. The first is to benchmark the building’s energy use, which shows how it compares to similar buildings and makes it easier to track progress over time. The second is an energy audit, which identifies specific and cost-effective opportunities to save energy.

Building owners are responsible for tracking and reporting energy consumption annually using the free ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool (www.energystar.gov/benchmark). Buildings 50,000 square feet or larger were required to report for the first time by October 2011. In 2012 – and from now on – annual benchmark reports are due by April 1st. Once your building is benchmarked in Portfolio Manager, the electronic report to SF Environment requires only a few mouse clicks, and the Dept. of Environment confirms compliance within 2 business days. (For details: www.SFEnvironment.org/ecb.)

Why Participate? 
  • Saving energy saves money;
  • Knowledge is power. Benchmarking your building is necessary to ensure you don’t use more energy (and pay more for it) than competitors;
  • Get recognized for your leadership in energy management, rather than for failure to comply with the law;
  • The policy was written with extensive input from commercial stakeholders;
  • It’s important for stakeholders (owners, management, and tenants) to be able to check if their building is compliant;
  • The ordinance gives SF Environment the authority to impose fines of up to $100 per day. Recognizing that the law is new and affected owners need time to comply, no fines have been issued yet.
Benchmarking

It’s easy to get started. You can use Portfolio Manager with the help of a free step-by-step benchmarking workshop Thursday, March 29th, just in time for the April 1st deadline. Additionally, step-by-step benchmarking workshops are held at the Pacific Energy Center on an ongoing basis (www.pge.com/energyclasses).

PG&E’s free Automated Benchmark Service (www.pge.com/benchmarking) helps you automatically upload energy data to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager every month. If you prefer to learn online, SF Environment offers webinars about how to comply, and presentations are available upon request. ENERGYSTAR.gov is a wealth of tutorials and free webinars.

Visit the PG&E Website for information about future classes: www.pge.com/energyclasses.

Audits

The second step, the energy audit, is required once every five years. Buildings will be notified of their audit due date with at least 12 months notice. For details, visit: www.SFEnvironment.org/ecb.

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Original Post - March 5, 2012

The April 1st deadline for commercial non-residential properties over 25,000 sq. ft. to benchmark their energy use and disclose it to the San Francisco Department of Environment is fast approaching.

Additionally, as we've mentioned recently, The Department of Environment will post a list of buildings that have complied with the benchmarking requirement on March 15. A list of properties that city records indicate were required to benchmark by October 1, 2011 – and have not complied – will also be posted*. The Department of Environment records indicate that nearly all major real estate firms have compliant properties, as well as noncompliant properties.

If this deadline applies to you, or you are just interested in learning more about benchmarking, The Department of Environment and PG&E invite you to an upcoming workshop. These are the last workshops before the deadline, so reserve your seat now!

Benchmarking and the San Francisco Ordinance

Webinar
March 8th 
2:00 p.m to 3:30 p.m.

This fast-paced 90-minute webinar will detail how to meet, and benefit from, the new requirements:
  • Overview of the SF ordinance – Requirements, covered buildings, timelines;
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to benchmark a building with Portfolio Manager, including how to create an account;
  • How to setup PG&E’s Automated Benchmarking Services (ABS) to automatically update energy use data;
  • Preparing an Annual Energy Benchmark Summary;
  • Highlights of the audit requirement;
  • Incentives and resources to put energy efficiency ideas into action.
Participants will receive free follow-up technical support with benchmarking, sponsored by PG&E.

Benchmarking Energy Use in Commercial Buildings

PG&E’s Pacific Energy Center – 851 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103
March 14th 
8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

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(R) Portfolio Manager every month. This class will include a hands-on benchmarking exercise using portable Wi-Fi 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?

PG&E’s Pacific Energy Center – 851 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103
March 14th
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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-/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!

Questions? Contact us at info@eefg.com or 415-814-3744.

*To ensure that facilities in your organization’s portfolio are recognized for leadership in energy management, please provide The Department of Environment with a current list of non-residential properties associated with your firm (ownership, management, primary tenant, or other). The Department of Environment will be glad to check it against the list of properties that have complied, as well as the list of properties subject to the ordinance, and report back to you promptly. Please send a basic spreadsheet listing the properties in your portfolio to: benchmark@sfenvironment.org

Property lists should include:
  • Property address and name (if different from address) 
  • Parcel number (if readily available) 
  • If the property was bought during or after the reporting period - calendar year 2010 - then note the month of the transaction. (Such transactions may leave the current owner unable to obtain energy use data). 
Property lists received by March 9 will be checked by department staff prior to publication of the map, but participating earlier will provide more time to correct omissions.  The map will focus solely on compliance at this time; all Annual Energy Benchmark Reports due in 2011, including the actual amount of energy used by a building, will remain confidential.


On April 1, 2012, Annual Energy Benchmark Summary Reports are due for properties 25,000 sq. ft. and larger. For properties 50,000 sq. ft. and larger, this date will mark the second year these facilities are benchmarked, and the reported information will be available to the public this summer.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

New Fluorescent Lamp Efficacy Standards 2012 – Effective January 1, 2013

BOMA San Francisco Members:

In 2009, the Department of Energy issued its Final Rule on new efficacy standards for general service fluorescent lamps and incandescent reflector lamps. These new minimum performance standards apply to new lamps manufactured for sale in the United States and will take effect on July 14, 2012.

These new standards, will impact many of the 4-foot T12 and 2-foot T12 U-shaped lamps, 8-foot T12 lamps and some 4-foot T8 lamps from the marketplace.  Due to this change, starting January 1, 2013, PG&E will no longer offer incentives to upgrade from T12 to a T8 lamp and electronic ballast, to de-lamp T12s, or to upgrade T12 fixtures to more efficient interior fixtures.

Therefore, these projects must have been installed and operational by December 15, 2012 to  be processed in accordance to the terms of the respective applications and commitments.  These changes are part of an overall strategy to transition our portfolio to more efficient, advanced lighting technologies.  Please reference the Lighting Rebate Catalog for the current PG&E T12 rebate offerings. For more information about the new lighting standards, see below.

The following lamp models will not be compliant with the new standards:

  • Most F40 and F34T12 lamps and almost all FB40 and FB34T12 U-lamps;
  • All 75W F96T12 lamps;
  • All 60W F96T12/ES lamps, with the exception of a few 700/SP and 800/SPX lamps;
  • All conventional 110W F96T12 HO lamps that deliver fewer than 10,120 lumens;
    All 95W F96T12/ES/HO, unless they can provide at least 8,740 lumens;
  • First generation F32T8 lamps (700 series).

The new efficacy standards are as follows:


For more information about DOE’s Appliance Standards for Fluorescent Lamps, click here. You may also contact Julia Grinberg with PG&E at J3Gi@pge.com or (415) 973-6921.

BOMA SF-PAC Members Meet With Supervisor Christina Olague


L to R: Nancy GilleChristina OlagueKen Cleaveland; and, BOMA SF-PAC Chair Jim Christian 


BOMA San Francisco Members:

The BOMA San Francisco Political Action Committee (BOMA SF-PAC) met with Supervisor Christina Olague (District 5) on March 22, 2012.  Supervisor Olauge was recently appointed to the seat by Mayor Ed Lee.

This meeting served as the BOMA SF-PAC's first formal meeting with the Supervisor.  Indeed, it was a wonderful opportunity for both Supervisor Olague and the members of the BOMA SF-PAC to speak openly and convey their relative perspectives on a number of topics:
The BOMA SF-PAC and general membership appreciates Supervisor Olague's time and willingness to meet with the members of the organization.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

BOMA SF-PAC Invites You to a Reception in Support of Mayor Ed Lee - March 28th



BOMA San Francisco Members:


You are Cordially Invited to a Reception in Support of

Mayor Edwin Lee
of San Francisco

Host Committee

Jim Christian, DRA Advisors
John Combs, C & C RiverRock Newmark Property Services
Nick Dutto, Metropolitan Electric Company
Nancy Gille, Real Systems
Drew Gordon, Hudson-Pacific Properties
Tim Falvey, Hanford Freund & Company
Tom Hart, Shorenstein Realty Services
Kathy Mattes, CBRE, Inc.
Mike Sanford, Kilroy Realty
Bruce Schilling, SAM – Sustainability and More

Wednesday, March 28, 2012
5:00 to 6:30 P.M.

the Office of Kilroy Realty
100 First Street
San Francisco, California

$500 Sponsor Ticket
$250 Friend Ticket
To contribute on-line go to: http://mayoredlee.info/s/BOMAMarch28/

To R.S.V.P. or if you have any questions contact Stefanie Roumeliotes at rsvp@sgrconsultants.com or (415) 402-0303.


Monday, March 19, 2012

UPDATE: BOMA Bay Area EARTH Awards - Sponsorship Opportunity in the San Francisco Business Times



BOMA San Francisco Members:

Sponsorship Opportunity in the San Francisco Business Times

BOMA San Francisco and BOMA Oakland-East Bay are partnering with the San Francisco Business Times to produce a special advertising supplement in support of the BOMA Bay Area Earth Awards. This twelve page supplement will showcase leadership on sustainable operating practices, and will be inserted into the April 20, 2012 edition of the Business Times and distributed at the BOMA Earth Awards luncheon on April 16, 2012 at the Hotel Nikko.

BOMA Bay Area members are being offered a special BOMA member only rate to put your advertising message in this supplement. Here’s a great opportunity to promote your company’s sustainability practices. In addition to reaching the 300+ luncheon attendees your advertising message will be seen by the Business Times 80,000 weekly readers.


To advertise in this special supplement call Tom VanEss at the San Francisco Business Times to reserve your space today at 415-288-4932 or to tvaness@bizjournals.com.

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

About the 2012 Bay Area EARTH AWARDS Program


Thank you to the 37 BOMA member buildings from across the Bay Area who submitted their applications. The members of the BOMA Energy & Environment Committee are responsible for all aspects of this event from developing the application to producing the EARTH Awards Luncheon, scheduled for April 16, 2012.

Now that the deadline has passed to enter the contest, the BOMA Energy & Environment Committee Audit Subcommittee will provide the oversight and responsibility of executing the onsite property audits of the finalist EARTH Award Applicants. If you have any questions about this process, please email Zach Brown at zachary.brown@cbre.com

The BOMA Bay Area EARTH Awards Program is the premier event for BOMA members to showcase environmental stewardship and have their properties recognized for their energy and water conservation efforts, recycling, and other sustainable practices. The winners will be announced at the April 16, 2012 EARTH Awards luncheon at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco.

The BOMA Bay Area EARTH Award recognizes member buildings that utilize the most comprehensive resource management programs, including commercial recycling programs, energy and water conservation efforts, air quality and toxics reduction programs, support for public transportation, and effective use of tenant education programs geared to promoting sustainability practices in commercial office buildings. The EARTH Award program is an opportunity for BOMA Bay Area members to consider the entire spectrum of programs and practices that constitute an effective 'sustainability program' for office buildings including what policies and procedures should be adopted that can help move a property toward becoming 'green'.

Please click here to review the 2011 BOMA Bay Area Earth Award Winners

UPDATE: Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings



BOMA San Francisco Members:

UPDATE - March 19, 2012

On March 13, 2012, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed the Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance on a 9-2 vote.  The measure now goes to Mayor Ed Lee's desk for his consideration.

NOTE - the Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance will take effect thirty days after Mayor Ed Lee (potentially) signs the measure.  Please be sure to review the ordinance and the FAQ sheet to understand what will be required of building owners and managers regarding tenants' employee bicycle parking in an existing commercial building.  If you have any questions regarding this legislation please contact John Bozeman at johnb@boma.com or Ken Cleaveland at kenc@boma.com.   Representatives from the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition are also available to conduct a site visit of your existing bicycle parking facility to determine if it is acceptable under the requirements of the ordinance.

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition distributed a press release on this news which quoted Meade Boutwell, BOMA San Francisco's President and part-time bicycle commuter:

 
Members of the Building Owners and Managers Association are concerned about the environment and promote the use of sustainable transportation options, including bicycles. With many companies expressing the desire for bicycle parking and storage, BOMA recognizes the need to provide safe, secure parking for bicycling employees....[t]he opportunity to work closely with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and Supervisor John Avalos' office to increase the availability of bicycle parking options for tenants' employees, and help sustain the environment made sense.
On behalf of Mr. Boutwell and the BOMA membership, thank you to the Board of Supervisors - especially John Avalos - and San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for their leadership on the issue of bicycle parking in existing commercial buildings.
--------------------

UPDATE - March 5, 2012

On February 28, 2012, Supervisor John Avalos introduced a number of amendments to clarify minor issues within the legislation:
  • Clarifying that secure bicycle parking is already defined in the Planning Code  (page 6, line 4-5);
  • Cleaning up the filing exemption requirement to allow for the Department of Environment to establish online filing (page 6, line 7-9);
  • Making accommodations if the SFMTA ever renames their bicycle division (page 6, line 19-20).

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

UPDATE - February 23, 2012

Please note that the Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance will be heard at the Board of Supervisors meeting on February 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Room 250 in City Hall.

Please email John Bozeman at johnb@boma.com if you'd like to attend in support of this measure.

Thank you for your time and kind consideration!

--------------------
UPDATE - February 16, 2012

The Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance was heard today at the San Francisco's Board of Supervisors' Public Safety meeting at City Hall.  The committee members voted unanimously to forward this ordinance to the full Board for their consideration.

You can watch a video of the hearing by clicking here and selecting ‘video’ referenced next to today’s date of 02/16/12.

BOMA San Francisco's Advocacy team was honored to voice BOMA members' support for the legislation and we would like to thank the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) and Supervisor John Avalos' office again for their early outreach efforts to BOMA members for their input.

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Original Post - January 25, 2012


BOMA San Francisco leaders have been meeting with representatives of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) and Supervisor John Avalos' office to work on an ordinance that would allow tenants' employees to have a secure place to store their bicycle during the workday.  BOMA would like to thank SFBC Executive Director Leah Shahum, Program Manager Marc Caswell and Supervisor Avalos' staff for reaching out to our members for their input.

The current draft of the legislation, Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance, is now available for BOMA San Francisco and SFBC members to review and submit their feedback.  Click here access the ordinance.

To help understand the intent of the legislation, BOMA and SFBC staff have worked together to create a helpful Frequently Asked Questions sheet.  Please click here to access that document.

Your feedback is paramount as the first committee hearing at City Hall for this ordinance is tentatively scheduled for mid-February   Please email John Bozeman at johnb@boma.com and Ken Cleaveland at kenc@boma.com with any comments you have.

Thank you, as always, for your time and consideration!

UPDATE: Zero Net Energy for Commercial New Construction

BOMA San Francisco Members:

UPDATE - March 19, 2012

BOMA California has been actively participating as a stakeholder in California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) workshops and conference calls regarding the Zero Net energy (ZNE) standard by 2030 and a significant portion of commercial construction ZNE by 2020.

Although BOMA is supportive of the state adopting voluntary policies to help more buildings achieve the goal, BOMA members must continuously educate regulators about the serious financial, technical and physical constraints associated with meeting such a policy goal – especially one that is based on a blanket state-wide mandate.

Regulatory staff are beginning to recognize that the existing definition of Zero Net Energy may well be too stringent.  Indeed, they have asked for input on how that definition might be modified in order to make ZNE a more practical goal from both a design and cost standpoint. In response to that concern, the CPUC staff has established a subcommittee to look at possible changes to the definition of ZNE to make it a more realistic goal.  BOMA California remains an active stakeholder in this process.

For more information please click here.

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

UPDATE - August 20, 2011

Here are some recommendations moving forward as part of a regulatory proceeding at the California Energy Commission:
  •  Mandate all commercial new construction be Zero Net Energy (ZNE) by 2030. ZNE means that over a year that your building generates as much energy onsite as it pulls from the grid;
  • Have the CEC use fines and penalties to enforce energy code at the state level;
  • Use a “societal value” to calculate cost effectiveness for Zero Net Energy. In other words, change the current objective cost calculations required to pass energy code and add in a “subjective” component that will allow mandates for technology that will not pay for itself;
  • Develop “reach” standards (as opposed to incremental “reachable” standards) for adoption at the local level and be included into CALGreen;
  • Increase Title 24 requirements by jumps of 20-30% each adoption over the next three cycles;
  • Require public building rating disclosures;
  • Require energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings not tied to a scheduled improvement;
  • Mandate a time-of-sale or time period trigger for upgrades and disclosures;
  • Shift responsibility on to building owners and managers for reducing tenant plug-loads.
This is happening now in a regulatory process.  Please click below to read the recommendations:

Saving Energy in Existing Buildings and Achieving a Zero‐Net‐Energy Future

Contact us at kenc@boma.com or johnb@boma.com if you have any thoughts or opinions on how this might impact your business or to get more involved in the public process.

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UPDATE - May 24, 2011

The Public Utilities Commission will conduct a public workshop on June 15 to discuss California’s policy goals relative to achieving Zero Net Energy (ZNE) in all new commercial buildings by 2030. While there is still debate over the definition of ZNE, at a minimum this policy goal will require almost all of a building’s energy supply to come from on-site sources. In addition to cost concerns, there are also serious physical design constraints which must be addressed, as was shown by a recent technical report commissioned by BOMA California.

That report analysis showed that a very energy-efficient 15-story commercial building in Oakland would still need nine acres of solar panels to cover its annual energy needs under such a policy. If that building were to use every inch of rooftop space for solar, that energy system would only generate enough power to cover 4% of the needed power supply.

We support the state working towards the goal of ZNE, but caution against adopting “stretch goal” mandates that knowingly cannot be reached. We are working with the state to consider other strategies in addition to ZNE, such as carbon-neutral buildings and neighborhoods, and increasing the overall supply of renewable energy at the source.

The workshop is scheduled for June 15 in San Francisco. Click here to read the state ZNE Action Plan, designed to identify the key actions required to achieve plan milestones, secure leaders for the steps to achieve these actions, and track and report on progress against the plan.

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Original Post - April 16, 2010

Please click here to read the California Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan--the commercial section starts on page 35--regarding Zero Net Energy (ZNE) use by new and existing buildings in California, and when such an energy standard should go into effect.  The Strategic Plan provides the necessary background information on ZNE and articulates the California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) long-term energy efficiency goals for each economic sector and identifies specific strategies to assist in achieving those goals.

Our BOMA California staff is working on the ZNE issue with the CPUC but they need to hear from BOMA San Francisco members as to what they think of GOAL 1: all new developments to be zero net energy users by 2030; and GOAL 2: half of existing buildings must be retrofitted to be zero net energy users by 2030.

BOMA California is also seeking a better clarification on the California Energy Commission's definition of ZNE, because, as it now stands, it would mean onsite energy production. If we can broaden the definition to include off-site clean energy such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, etc., it might become a lot more palatable and achievable for the BOMA San Francisco membership to accomplish.

Please email Ken Cleaveland, BOMA San Francisco's Director of Government and Public Affairs, with your thoughts at kenc@boma.com.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

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


 


BOMA San Francisco Members:

Many Community Action Plan for Seismic Safety Update (CAPSS) and related earthquake safety activities continue, setting the stage for 2012 as a critical year for earthquake mitigation action in San Francisco:

  • Don't miss the Safe Enough to Stay exhibit at the SPUR Urban Center, 654 Mission Street. This exhibition, open Tuesday through Friday through April 18, looks at your home a week after an earthquake, providing information about how you can "shelter-in-place" and adapt to temporary life with minor earthquake damage and without full utility services. Join the closing party at SPUR on April 18, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  • The long-awaited FEMA publication providing guidance for cost effective techniques for soft story retrofits, FEMA 807 (formerly ATC 71-1), is undergoing final editing and will be available in April 2012. 
  • Updates to the Community Safety Element of the General Plan are being reviewed by the Planning Department's Environmental Planning Division. These updates incorporate into the Plan the goals of San Francisco's ResilientSF program, including the recommendations of Department of Emergency Management, CAPSS, and other programs.
  • Three crucial Administrative Bulletins that clarify San Francisco's post-earthquake repair and retrofit requirements for wood frame and concrete buildings have been recommended for approval and adoption by the Structural Subcommittee of DBI's Code Advisory Committee. The full CAC will consider these Administrative Bulletins on Wednesday, March 14, to be followed by consideration by the Building Inspection Commission. Accompanying these Administrative Bulletins are minor code revisions related to "disproportionate earthquake damage," a condition that might occur when a minor earthquake causes structural damage to a building, revealing that the structure is highly vulnerable to serious damage or failure in a moderate or greater earthquake event.
  • CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program, part of the ResilientSF program, is developing partnerships with various nonprofit organizations to support implementation such as seismic upgrade assistance to seniors and low-income San Franciscan homeowners. More to come soon on these exciting ventures.
  • The website for the CAPSS/Earthquake Safety Implementation Program is being completely revised. You will soon see a new look with many updates and useful links thanks to Administrative Assistant Micah Hilt and Michael Pawluk of the Neighborhood Empowerment Network.
Many other related activities are underway, including:
  • Development of a menu of financing options for earthquake retrofit work
  • Follow-up on alternative retrofit solutions, such as use of dampers and garage-door reinforcement
  • Development of standard earthquake upgrade details for one- and two-family dwellings
  • Consideration of issues related to private schools
  • Public information programs, including new SFGovTV shows
  • and, much more.

BOMA International Advocacy Update - Tax Extenders Attempt Fails, Green Leasing Webinar and Lead Regulation



 

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Please take a moment to review a brief advocacy update from our BOMA International Team:

Attempt to Add Tax "Extenders" to Senate Transportation Bill Fails

Earlier this week the Senate began its consideration of Surface Transportation Bill S.1813. During the debate, Senator Pat Roberts (R–Utah) proposed an amendment that included, among other things, an extension for 2012 of the package of tax "extenders" that expired at the end of 2011 and includes the 15–year timeline for depreciating leasehold improvements. Though the amendment failed by a vote of 41–57, it raises the visibility and urgency for tax certainty. BOMA International will continue to push for an extension of this provision and explain the need for passing the "extenders" as soon as possible. 

DOE Presents Free Green Leasing Webinar 

On March 26, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host a free webinar on tools and best practices for implementing green leasing strategies. This webinar showcasing green leasing as a market solution to improve building energy efficiency is targeted to a broad audience, from building owners and tenant organizations to lawyers and building raters. The webinar will introduce a new green leasing library website offering a one–stop shop for green leasing resources, developed in coordination with BOMA International, the Rocky Mountain Institute, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the U.S. Department of Energy, New York University, the U.S. General Services Administration and the Institute for Market Transformation.  

Click here to register.

Senate Legislation Would Limit EPA’s Regulation of Lead

On March 1, Sen. James Inhofe (R–Okla.) introduced S. 2148, the "Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments Act of 2012," to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act relating to lead-based paint renovation and remodeling activities. The intent of the legislation is to clarify some outstanding issues related to recent regulations that have already gone into effect for residential real estate and to apply them to any future rulemaking for commercial buildings. The legislation would also prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from proposing any new regulation applicable to target housing or commercial and public buildings until the EPA conducts a study demonstrating the need for such an action. BOMA hopes to see a companion bill introduced in the House of Representatives within the next month.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Important Tax Survey For All BOMA San Francisco Members - March 14th Deadline





BOMA San Francisco Members:

In late 2011, Mayor Ed Lee and Board of Supervisors President David Chiu asked the Controller's Office to improve the City's business tax.  The goal of this effort is to replace the Payroll Expense Tax with alternative tax that widens the tax base while maintaining the current level of payments to the City of San Francisco.  Click here to view the San Francisco Controller's report: San Francisco Business Tax Reform -Initial Tax Ideas for Taxpayer Feedback.

Please take a moment to comment on what you think are the best and fairest approaches for San Francisco to take in its effort to reform its payroll tax.  San Francisco currently charges employers with payrolls exceeding $250,000 annually a 1.5% tax. That generates approximately $400 million in annual in general fund revenues, which the City wishes maintain - possibly asking the San Francisco electorate to approve a number of alternative business taxes.

Your input is essential.   Help  BOMA San Francisco with suggestions you may have that the association should take to City Hall. 

Click here for Survey

All information will remain confidential. The deadline for responding is March 14, 2012. 

BOMA San Francisco Promotes Senior Staffers

Ken Cleaveland and John Bozeman

BOMA San Francisco Members:

We're excited to announce the promotion of veteran City Hall government relations expert Ken Cleaveland to Vice President, Public Policy, and Legislative Assistant John Bozeman to Manager, Government and Public Affairs.

“Cleaveland will be spending more time building external political alliances, and strengthening collaboration with other business groups whose support can help BOMA achieve its public policy objectives,” said BOMA Executive Vice President Marc Intermaggio.

Bozeman “will take on additional responsibilities supporting several of our advocacy committees, and in particular, developing and coordinating BOMA’s stance on public policy issues that impact our members,” Intermaggio continued.

Both have been and will continue to be registered lobbyists for BOMA San Francisco, but are now being given broadened responsibilities at the 1,300-member organization that represents most of San Francisco’s commercial building owners, operators and companies that provide services to commercial office buildings.

Cleaveland has been most recently engaged in the creation and operation of the Alliance for Jobs and Sustainable Growth, a coalition of union and business groups dedicated to growing the city’s economic base and creating new jobs. Bozeman recently successfully completed the highly-acclaimed Leadership San Francisco training program which connected him with many aspects of city government.

Cleaveland, 64, has represented the legislative, political and regulatory interests of BOMA members since 1995. His advocacy experience on behalf of the commercial and residential real estate and construction industries spans 35 years and extends from the local to state and national levels.

Prior to joining BOMA San Francisco, Bozeman worked in the California State Senate as a Legislative Aide for Senator Carole Migden, and at E*TRADE Financial as a General Securities Principal/Team Specialist.

Cleaveland said, “I am proud of the work our association and its members have accomplished over the years, particularly in the area of sustainable practices, advocacy for commercial tenants, and protection of private property rights in San Francisco. I look forward to continuing to serve BOMA and its members in forging greater external partnerships that will help build our city’s economic base while creating new jobs and opportunities for its residents.”

Bozeman said, “I am extremely grateful and proud to represent BOMA as its new Manager of Government and Public Affairs, and look forward to developing even greater member involvement in advocacy on behalf of commercial real estate at all levels of government.”

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

UPDATE: San Francisco Redistricting Task Force Chair Eric McDonnell Speaks With BOMA Members



BOMA San Francisco Members:

UPDATE - March 7, 2012

At the head of the table from left to right: Hal Brownstone, GAPAC Chair and Eric McDonnell

BOMA San Francisco's Government and Public Affairs Committee (GAPAC) met with Eric McDonnell, Chair of the San Francisco Redistricting Task Force (SFRTF) on March 7, 2012 at the BOMA San Francisco office.

BOMA would like to thank Mr. McDonnell for his time in explaining the SFRTF's role in the redistricting process.  We'll make his presentation available to all members shortly; in the meantime, please click here to review the SFRTF in detail.  

UPDATE - March 2, 2012



BOMA San Francisco's Government and Public Affairs Committee (GAPAC) will meet with Eric McDonnell, Chair of the San Francisco Redistricting Task Force (SFRTF) on March 7, 2012 at the BOMA San Francisco office.  Please email Hal Brownstone, GAPAC Chair, at hal.brownstone@am.jll.com if you're interested in joining the committee and the discussion regarding the progress of the SFRTF. 

Please note that the second draft of redrawn district lines has been published as of February 23, 2012.  Click here to access the current draft of the map.

These maps are works-in-progress and do not represent any final determinations by the Task Force. The maps are posted for informational purposes only, and they have not been reviewed for compliance with all legal requirements. The Task Force intends to revise the maps at future meetings and welcomes public input on the maps. Comments may be submitted at meetings, by e-mail to rdtf@sfgov.org, or in-person to the Redistricting Task Force Clerk, City Hall, Room 244.

Please note that the San Francisco Redistricting Task Force Community Outreach Meetings have commenced. Please click here to view the meeting schedule and consider attending a meeting if you live in San Francisco.


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UPDATE - January 19, 2012

If you are a registered voter in San Francisco, please pay close attention to your supervisorial district line as the boundaries may change based on the Redistricting Task Force's recommendations.  Indeed, as of January 4, 2012, the first draft of redrawn district lines has been published.  Please review the proposed district boundaries by clicking on the image below.



These maps are works-in-progress and do not represent any final determinations by the Task Force. The maps are posted for informational purposes only, and they have not been reviewed for compliance with all legal requirements. The Task Force intends to revise the maps at future meetings and welcomes public input on the maps. Comments may be submitted at meetings, by e-mail to rdtf@sfgov.org, or in-person to the Redistricting Task Force Clerk, City Hall, Room 244.

Please note that the San Francisco Redistricting Task Force Community Outreach Meetings have commenced. Please click here to view the meeting schedule and consider attending a meeting if you live in San Francisco.

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Original Post - March 30, 2011 

Are you a registered voter in San Francisco?  Interested in 2011 San Francisco census data and how it affects your supervisorial district's boundaries?   Then you might be a candidate for the  San Francisco 2011 Redistricting Task Force.  More detailed information is below and here.  Each of the three appointing authorities – the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, and the Elections Commission – probably have different criteria. By unanimous approval at the March 16, 2011, meeting of the Elections Commission, it has selected the following minimum criteria for its three appointments:

Applicants must
  • Be registered to vote in San Francisco and have voted in San Francisco at least once since January 1, 2006;
  • Represent San Francisco’s diverse population; 
  • Have not been paid by a political campaign since January 1, 2006;
  • Not currently a direct-hire employee of an elected official of the City and County of San Francisco;
  • Have general knowledge of San Francisco’s neighborhoods and geography;
  • Have flexible schedule for attending meetings; and
  • Not have a conflict of interest that is prohibited under conflict laws applicable to other City officers.
The Elections Commission invites applicants to send a letter that includes the following information
  • A statement confirming that you fit all of the seven minimum criteria stated above; and
  • A statement of interest, explaining why you want to serve and what your qualifications are; and
  • A statement confirming that you have enough time to attend the meetings of the task force; and
  • A resume, and/or a statement of relevant background.
NOTE that the application deadline is April 5, 2011

The Elections Commission intends to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall (room to be determined) to discuss the applications and interview applicants. Applicants should attend this meeting.

Following this, the Elections Commission might consider the applications at its regular meeting on May 18, 2011, and intends to make its three selections at its regular meeting on June 15, 2011.  Obviously, in the event that the Board of Supervisors does not convene a Redistricting Task Force, then none of these appointments shall have any effect.

Please call or email the Elections Commission’s acting secretary, Gail Hilliard at Gail.Hilliard@sfgov.org (please put “Redistricting Task Force” in the subject line) or 415.554.7494.

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What is redistricting?

Every ten years, the Federal Government conducts a census to determine the number of individuals living in the United States. After the census is completed, the Charter requires the Director of Elections to determine whether the existing supervisorial districts meet the legal requirements established by federal, state and local law. If the existing supervisorial districts no longer comply with these legal requirements, the Charter requires the Board of Supervisors to convene an Elections Task Force to redraw the supervisorial district lines. The process of redrawing the supervisorial district lines is known as redistricting. The Director of Elections has not yet made this determination (as of March 28, 2011), but in the event that he finds that the districts must be redrawn and if the Board of Supervisors convenes a task force, the Elections Commission wants to find outstanding candidates as quickly as possible.

How does redistricting work?

If convened, the Elections Task Force will consist of nine members. The Mayor, the Board of Supervisors and the Elections Commission each appoint three members. These nine individuals work with City staff and outside consultants to determine how the supervisorial district lines should be redrawn so that the districts comply with the legal requirements established in federal, state and local law. As part of this process, the Elections Task Force holds multiple community hearings to receive input from the people of San Francisco. Throughout this process and based on community input, the Elections Task Force will make several changes to the existing supervisorial district lines. The Elections Task Force must present a final plan outlining the new supervisorial district lines to the Board of Supervisors in April 2012.

What are the legal requirements for supervisorial districts?

The members of the Elections Task Force must consider federal, state and local legal requirements when redrawing supervisorial district lines. For more on these legal requirements, please see http://www.sfgov2.org/index.aspx?page=270

Earth Hour 2012 - March 31, 2012






BOMA San Francisco Members:

Earth Hour is an ongoing annual event that raises awareness of humankind’s continued and unintended negative impact on the environment. Throughout the world, sustainability-focused operations and lifestyles are increasingly becoming standard procedure in both our personal and professional lives. Potential climate change and the reduction of natural resources continue to affect global Real Estate on a massive scale and are influencing our operational decisions on a daily basis. These decisions have both economic and life-style impacts.

BOMA San Francisco urges it's members to participate in this year’s Earth Hour, scheduled for Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 8:30 pm until 9:30 pm, local daylight savings time. During this hour, the goal is to turn off all non-essential interior and exterior lighting to demonstrate your continuing commitment to energy conservation and responsible resource management within the office building industry of San Francisco.

Participating in Earth Hour provides several unique benefits:
  • Cost savings: tied to Building and Tenant expense reduction, Net Operating Income, Building Value, and Ownership Satisfaction
  • Energy savings: tied to promoting sustainability of Earth’s natural resources, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental damage, and potential future generations
  • Professional awareness: tied to responsible daily decision making to further reduce expenses through appropriate ongoing energy saving measures and reductions
  • Social awareness: tied to understanding the stewardship process of the environment through wildlife conservation and continued sustainable lifestyles 
  • Embarrassment: You don’t want to be the only one NOT doing it! You do want the GOOD recognition that will come with being involved and turning your building’s lights out!

About Earth Hour

In 2006, WWF-Australia inspired Sydney-siders to show their support for climate change action in the first ever Earth Hour event. It showed that everyone, from children to CEOs and politicians, has the power to change the world they live in.

Then in March 2007 in Sydney, Australia, 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights out for one hour to take a stand against climate change.

In 2008, the plan was to take Earth Hour to the rest of Australia. But then the City of Toronto, Canada, signed up and it wasn’t long before 35 countries and almost 400 cities and towns were part of the event. It said something compelling to the world: that the climate challenges facing our planet are so significant that change needs to be global.

With the invitation to ‘switch off’ extended to everyone, Earth Hour quickly became an annual global event. It’s scheduled on the last Saturday of every March – closely coinciding with the equinox to ensure most cities are in darkness as it rolled out around the Earth.

In 2011, Earth Hour saw hundreds of millions of people across 135 countries switch off for an hour. But it also marked the start of something new – going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action on climate change. And with the power of social networks behind the Earth Hour message, we hope to attract even more participation so we can build a truly global community committed to creating a more sustainable planet.

Monday, March 5, 2012

UPDATE: Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings




BOMA San Francisco Members:

UPDATE - March 5, 2012

On February 28, 2012, Supervisor John Avalos introduced a number of amendments to clarify minor issues within the legislation:
  • Clarifying that secure bicycle parking is already defined in the Planning Code  (page 6, line 4-5);
  • Cleaning up the filing exemption requirement to allow for the Department of Environment to establish online filing (page 6, line 7-9);
  • Making accommodations if the SFMTA ever renames their bicycle division (page 6, line 19-20).

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UPDATE - February 23, 2012

Please note that the Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance will be heard at the Board of Supervisors meeting on February 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Room 250 in City Hall.

Please email John Bozeman at johnb@boma.com if you'd like to attend in support of this measure.

Thank you for your time and kind consideration!

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UPDATE - February 16, 2012

The Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance was heard today at the San Francisco's Board of Supervisors' Public Safety meeting at City Hall.  The committee members voted unanimously to forward this ordinance to the full Board for their consideration.

You can watch a video of the hearing by clicking here and selecting ‘video’ referenced next to today’s date of 02/16/12.

BOMA San Francisco's Advocacy team was honored to voice BOMA members' support for the legislation and we would like to thank the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) and Supervisor John Avalos' office again for their early outreach efforts to BOMA members for their input.

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Original Post - January 25, 2012


BOMA San Francisco leaders have been meeting with representatives of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) and Supervisor John Avalos' office to work on an ordinance that would allow tenants' employees to have a secure place to store their bicycle during the workday.  BOMA would like to thank SFBC Executive Director Leah Shahum, Program Manager Marc Caswell and Supervisor Avalos' staff for reaching out to our members for their input.

The current draft of the legislation, Tenant Bicycle Access in Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance, is now available for BOMA San Francisco and SFBC members to review and submit their feedback.  Click here access the ordinance.

To help understand the intent of the legislation, BOMA and SFBC staff have worked together to create a helpful Frequently Asked Questions sheet.  Please click here to access that document.

Your feedback is paramount as the first committee hearing at City Hall for this ordinance is tentatively scheduled for mid-February   Please email John Bozeman at johnb@boma.com and Ken Cleaveland at kenc@boma.com with any comments you have.

Thank you, as always, for your time and consideration!

Apture