Santa Monica Mayor Discusses Self-Certification and CRE Recovery
Our members recently met with Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis to discuss the city's new self-certification program, economic recovery efforts, and priorities impacting the commercial real estate industry.
The discussion provided an opportunity for members to hear directly from city leadership while sharing their own experiences navigating permitting, building operations, and development challenges in Santa Monica.
What You Need to Know
Mayor Torosis provided an update on Santa Monica's recently approved self-certification program, which will allow qualified engineers to certify certain building plans rather than going through portions of the traditional plan review process.
The program is intended to help reduce permitting timelines and accelerate project delivery while maintaining safety and compliance standards.
In addition to permitting reform, the discussion covered several issues important to commercial real estate, including:
- Efforts to revitalize Santa Monica's economy and support business activity.
- Public safety and homelessness initiatives aimed at improving conditions for businesses, employees, residents, and visitors.
- Beautification efforts throughout the city.
- Future community events and programming designed to bring more people back to Santa Monica.
Perhaps most importantly, our members had the opportunity to share their own experiences and perspectives directly with the Mayor.
Property managers, engineers, building owners, and service providers discussed how permitting processes affect building operations, tenant improvements, capital projects, and overall investment in the city.
Their feedback helped provide real-world context on how new policies are experienced by those responsible for operating and maintaining commercial properties.
How It Impacts You
One of BOMA/GLA's greatest strengths is the expertise of its members.
When elected officials hear directly from the professionals responsible for managing and operating commercial buildings, they gain a better understanding of how policies work in practice—not just on paper.
The conversation in Santa Monica demonstrated why member engagement matters.
Whether discussing permitting reform, public safety, homelessness, or economic development, member voices help shape the conversations that influence local policy decisions.
As cities across Los Angeles County explore ways to streamline permitting and encourage investment, we will continue bringing members together with decision-makers to ensure the commercial real estate industry's perspective is heard.
Stay Connected
Thank you to Mayor Caroline Torosis for joining us and engaging directly with our members.
We also extend our appreciation to Daisy Delmar and BXP for hosting the meeting at Colorado Center, and to April Weber and Kallpa Construction for sponsoring the event.
We will continue working with local leaders throughout the region to advance policies that support investment, efficient permitting, and vibrant business districts across Los Angeles County.
