2016 Accomplishments

All at BOMA/NY are amazed by the accomplishments that every member, sponsor, staff and volunteer has achieved in 2016. Without the support of our sponsors and motivation of our members, none of these accomplishments could have been completed.

Within the past year, BOMA/NY submitted testimonies, letters, met with Council Members and their staffs, the Mayor’s Office and other agencies regarding 15 important pieces of legislation, as well as 10 rule changes or other significant policy matters. As a result, some bills were stopped, others were modified to address our concerns and we received endless support for others we were advocating for. In conjunction with REBNY, NYECC and other allies, BOMA/NY accomplished the below:

• Int. 420-A – This bill would regulate construction noise near schools. We and our allies have, so far, stopped this from moving forward.
  
  
• Int. 1088-A – This bill requires gas pipe inspections in buildings every five years. Working closely with REBNY, we delayed this bill multiple times and won significant concessions. We opposed its passage, submitting a memo of opposition spelling out our reasons.
  
  
• Int. 1109-A – This bill regulates public plazas. We supported the bill with some minor changes.
  
  
• Int. 1303-A – This bill would establish an office of enforcement for food vendors and increase the number of permits for them. We have submitted comments and will work with the Speaker’s Office to shape this effort.

Along with changing legislation, BOMA/NY has been sought out by the City to serve on several major Task Forces, allowing us to shape these efforts and be part of the process.

The Mayor’s 80 x 50 Technical Working Group was charged with developing strategies for reducing emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The first product that came from this process was not what we expected, out participation in this working group along with two sub-groups, undoubtedly led to a better result than we would have had, had we not participated.

The Department of Sanitation’s Advisory Board on commercial waste franchising is a major endeavor that the City has undertaken.

New in 2016 was the growth and development of our Emerging Leaders and Student Membership categories. During 2016, we approved 18 Emerging Leaders and 1 Student Member. We kicked off a "meet and greet" with the Officers, Committee Chairs and existing and potential emerging leader/student members. Each were encouraged to join and be active on one of our committees. Emerging Leader members are 35 years of age or younger and/or have 5 years or less experience in the management of commercial real estate.

Once the Board has approved the new members, in my role as BOMA/NY President, I call each one and personally welcome them to the association. This small effort has generated such positive feedback and a great opportunity to encourage their involvement on a committee.

In the last Quarter of 2016, we engaged a new Public Relations firm – The Berman Group. They are not only responsible for our marketing and public relations efforts, but they are working with our Technology Committee to develop a new enhanced website. Additionally, they are also the Producer of our Annual Pinnacle Awards next month. We’re confident our partnership with The Berman Group will raise our visibility and enhance our brand. This is also the first time in almost 20 years, BOMA/NY changed its logo.