Advocacy
Advocacy Challenges in the Wake of Illinois 2014 General Election
Advocacy Challenges in the Wake of Illinois 2014 General Election By Curt Fiedler, Morrill and Associates Ron Tabaczynski, BOMA/Chicago Director of Government Affairs Advocacy is often cited as the most important function performed by BOMA/Chicago on behalf of its members. As a trade association, BOMA/Chicago has an impressive history of effectiveness in representing member interests…
Read MoreOne Voice, Your Voice: Rising to Defeat the Proposed Expansion of SSA #1
One Voice, Your Voice: Rising to Defeat the Proposed Expansion of SSA #1 By Ron Tabaczynski, BOMA/Chicago Director of Government Relations One voice in a loud, crowded room can easily be ignored. Its words and opinions can cease to be heard amongst the various other voices vying for attention. But the voice of a collective…
Read MoreWhy Expand the State Street SSA and Increase Taxes to Pay for It?
Why Expand the State Street SSA and Increase Taxes to Pay for It? By Michael Cornicelli, BOMA/Chicago Executive Vice President The Chicago Loop Alliance thinks they know better than you how to operate a commercial office building, fill vacant space and increase asset value. And they want the City of Chicago to let them show you how…
Read MoreTax Increases are Coming & Chicago’s Economic Viability Hangs in the Balance
Tax Increases are Coming & Chicago’s Economic Viability Hangs in the Balance By Ron Tabaczynski, BOMA/Chicago Director of Government Affairs Chicago is facing a predicament whose resolution will surely impact office building owners. State law mandates that Chicago make a $590 million contribution to its police and fire pension funds in 2015. If the city…
Read MorePartnerships with City Officials: A Key Component to Advocacy Success
Partnerships with City Officials: A Key Component to Advocacy Success By Ron Tabaczynski, BOMA/Chicago Director of Government Affairs Advocating on behalf of our members is one of the most important and valuable services a trade association like BOMA/Chicago provides. Our members clearly look to us to be the voice for commercial real estate in the City of…
Read MoreA Guaranteed Return on Investment: Your BOMA/Chicago Membership Dues
A Guaranteed Return on Investment: Your BOMA/Chicago Membership Dues By BOMA/Chicago Did you know that your BOMA/Chicago membership dues accrue a direct dollar for dollar benefit to your property, staff and building owners? As all of you are preparing to pay your 2014 BOMA/Chicago invoices by January 30, we wanted to take time to reflect…
Read MoreState Fire Marshall Withdraws Sprinkler Proposal
State Fire Marshall Withdraws Sprinkler Proposal August 2, 2013 On August 2, 2013, Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis withdrew his controversial proposal to update the Illinois fire safety code, which would have required the installation of fire sprinklers in all high-rise buildings and new homes. Due to the withdrawal of this proposal, the public hearing…
Read MoreBOMA/Chicago Opposes Proposal to Extend SSA #1 Taxation to New Parcels; First Committee Hearing April 30
BOMA/Chicago Opposes Proposal to Extend SSA #1 Taxation to New Parcels; First Committee Hearing April 30 July 13, 2015 The BOMA/Chicago Board of Directors recently adopted a position to publicly oppose any attempt to renew the State Street Special Service Area (SSA) if the proposed renewal adds any additional taxable parcels not taxed under the…
Read MoreContact Your Legislators: Mayor Emanuel’s Pension Reform Proposal
Contact Your Legislators: Mayor Emanuel’s Pension Reform Proposal July 13, 2015 Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced a bold proposal to address a significant portion of Chicago’s pension funding dilemma with an aggressive plan to decrease benefits, increase employee contributions and increase property taxes. BOMA/Chicago’s executive leadership determined that the responsible course of action is…
Read MoreChicago’s Proposed Energy Benchmarking Ordinance: Our Support for Energy Intel, But Opposition to Public Disclosure
Chicago’s Proposed Energy Benchmarking Ordinance: Our Support for Energy Intel, But Opposition to Public Disclosure By Michael Cornicelli On June 26, 2013, Mayor Emanuel unveiled an energy benchmarking ordinance that, if passed by the City Council, would require municipal, commercial and residential properties over 50,000 square feet to track and publicly report their energy usage.…
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