Legislative Committee

Past President Dave Johnson, First Vice President Lynn Berger, and President Craig Eney represented BOMA Baltimore at BOMA International's Issues Conference / Day on the Hill in Washington, DC in 2009

Issues of vital interest to BOMA members, such as property and income taxes and building operating expenses, are raised each year in the annual legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly. For many years, BOMA has maintained a Legislative Committee and lobbying presence in Annapolis, where it is regarded as a principal voice of the commercial real estate industry in Maryland. The BOMA Legislative Committee is authorized by the Board to take positions on certain legislative issues and communicate those positions to public officials in order to ensure that the views of commercial building owners and operators are fairly considered in the legislative debate. We also work closely with other real estate organizations, including the BOMA affiliate for the Washington Metropolitan area – Apartment and Office Building Association.

Individually, legislative committee members have established personal relationships with legislators. This helps BOMA develop “legislative champions” – elected officials who know our business and who will articulate our views to their colleagues. Legislative Committee members also consult with BOMA PAC to advocate our financial support for legislators who support BOMA.

In addition to reviewing individual bills during the legislative session, the Legislative Committee monitors broad changes with potentially far-reaching affect on the commercial real estate business. For example, the Legislative Committee has established a dialogue with environmental advocates seeking changes in Maryland law to promote “green” building practices.

The Legislative Committee meets periodically throughout the year and holds weekly conference calls during the 90 day legislative session from January through April. Each member brings a personal perspective to the Committee, and collectively, the Committee represents a broad range of BOMA members’ views.

Committee members:

Kevin J. Bauer, RPA  (Committee Chairman)
First Industrial Realty Trust

Lynn L. Berger, RPA
Liberty Property Trust

Craig E. Eney

David E. Johnson
Stratford Realty Management Company, LLC

Stanley C. Meros
St. John Properties

Tim O'Donald, RPA, CPM
Harbor East Management Group