Colorado Real Estate Journal - February 18, 2015
The Denver MetroBuilding Owners and Managers Association kicked off its 95th anniversary and 2015 with a legislative reception in the lobby of 1670 Broadway. BOMA members turned out in full force along with a dozen state legislators including Reps. Gordon Klingenschmitt, Jim Wilson, Justin Everett, Paul Lundeen and Sen. Larry Crowder. Meeting with legislators gave us a chance to reflect on the past and look to the future. In the past decade, Denver Metro BOMA has significantly increased its advocacy efforts on behalf of the commercial real estate industry. From lobbying at the state and local government levels to intervention in Public Utilities Commission cases, BOMA is constantly looking out for the interests of commercial building owners. BOMA’s professional staff, lobbyists, attorneys and volunteers defend building owners’ interests before a wide array of policy-setting groups, both legislative and regulatory. Members are represented on a range of issues, not the least of which are tax reform, private property rights, codes and standards, contracting issues and energy issues. These efforts save building owners and managers time and money and increase the bottom line. In addition to working on issues during the legislative session, Denver Metro BOMA is actively and regularly monitoring and engaging in advocacy in the local jurisdictions and fire districts, including the city and county of Denver, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Arapahoe County, the Denver Fire Department and the South Metro Fire Rescue district. BOMA closely follows and participates in code amendment processes. Currently, BOMA is representing the commercial real estate industry in the Denver code amendment cycle for the 2015 International Codes. BOMA also regularly holds events, including panel discussions and luncheons, with government representatives to discuss the improving economy and job growth, which leads to additional building tenants. As a result of some BOMA members’ concerns regarding permitting issues in Arapahoe County, the county formed the Arapahoe County Development Services Coordinating Committee to provide all stakeholders in the land development services in Arapahoe County an open forum to request and exchange information, identify issues, develop solutions, and track and report progress on identified actions. Meetings will be held at the county offices and are scheduled throughout 2015. For 95 years, BOMA has provided a powerful combination of information, services and advocacy to the commercial real estate industry promoting professional building management, educating association members and encouraging interest in commercial real estate product and service development. As we look back over the years at Denver’s commercial real estate industry, it has gone through many up cycles and down cycles. It has survived the tough times and enjoyed the good times, and Denver Metro BOMA always has been there as a leader. This year, we will continue to update the commercial real estate industry on key legislative and regulatory issues and actions. Denver Metro BOMA is on a mission – to advance the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, professional development and the exchange of knowledge, and we look forward to working with you along the way