Federal

BOMA International Calls on Congress to Consider Industry Coronavirus Concerns

As the U.S. Congress considers additional legislation to address the COVID-19 pandemic, BOMA International is asking lawmakers to take into consideration measures that ensure both the physical safety of property professionals and tenants and the financial security of the commercial real estate industry.

BOMA’s most pressing concerns are outlined in an April 16 letter to congressional leadership, authored by BOMA International Chair Scott Jones and BOMA International President Henry Chamberlain. The key concepts were vetted by BOMA International's Government Affairs Committee Chair Geoff Wardle, BOMA Fellow, and Vice Chair Mary Lantz, LCAM, RPA, as part of their ongoing work to help BOMA formulate legislative strategies and priorities for issues affecting commercial real estate.

Specifically, we are asking Congress to consider and act on the following:

• the safety of and liability protection for property owners and operators;
• the need for business interruption and pandemic risk insurance;
• improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); and
• inclusion of (c)(6) trade associations in the small business programs created in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

This letter to Congress is just one of the many ways BOMA International and its members have sought to partner with the public sector to help keep Americans safe and sustain the industry. While it does not encompass all the issues the commercial real estate industry is currently facing, this communication highlights the most significant, pressing concerns as BOMA continues to advocate at every opportunity. As the situation further develops, we will continue to engage Congress directly and work with our coalition partners to identify comprehensive solutions.