State and Local

BOMA Language Added to DHS Guidance on Essential Personnel

Recommendations from BOMA International have been incorporated into federal guidance on identifying essential personnel—a key issue during the COVID-19 emergency. As state and local governments began to implement stay-at-home orders, many turned to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for guidance. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of DHS had released an advisory document; commercial facilities were specified as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, but the guidance was otherwise vague on how that related to specific personnel. BOMA sent a letter to CISA requesting revisions based on the advocacy efforts already underway by many BOMA local associations. CISA has released the latest update of its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce and it includes our suggested language word-for-word:

Workers supporting the operations of commercial buildings that are critical to safety, security, and the continuance of essential activities, such as onsite property managers, building engineers, security staff, fire safety directors, janitorial personnel, and service technicians (e.g., mechanical, HVAC, plumbers, electricians and elevator).

This DHS guidance document will likely remain an important reference point going forward. Please contact Director of State and Local Affairs Ken Rosenfeld with any questions.