What CRE Needs to Know Before the 2026 General Election 

California’s November 3, 2026 General Election includes major state and local races, along with ballot measures that could directly affect commercial properties across Greater Los Angeles. 

For BOMA/GLA members, two local measures are especially important to watch: proposed parcel taxes in Pasadena and Culver City that would place new annual costs directly on property owners. 

BOMA/GLA Endorsements

BOMA/GLA supports candidates based on issues affecting commercial real estate and works to build relationships with policymakers whose decisions impact our buildings, businesses, and communities. 

John McKinney — Los Angeles City Attorney: BOMA/GLA supports John McKinney for Los Angeles City Attorney because his focus on retail theft, vandalism, and public safety aligns with the needs of commercial property owners, businesses, and their tenants. 

Tim Gaspar — Los Angeles City Council District 3: BOMA/GLA supports Tim Gaspar because of his focus on public safety, economic competitiveness, and policies that encourage business investment and job growth across Los Angeles. 

Parcel Taxes to Watch

BOMA/GLA opposes two new parcel taxes on the November ballot in Pasadena and Culver City that would add significant new costs for commercial property owners already facing rising operating expenses. 

Pasadena Fire Parcel Tax 

BOMA/GLA opposes Pasadena’s proposed fire parcel tax, which would charge property owners $0.19 per square foot of improved building space every year for 14 years. 

For commercial real estate, the cost adds up quickly. A 250,000-square-foot building would pay approximately $47,500 per year—or $665,000 over 14 years. Larger properties could pay significantly more. 

While BOMA/GLA recognizes the importance of fire protection and emergency services, we oppose placing such a substantial new financial burden on property owners already dealing with rising insurance, utilities, labor, maintenance, and other operating costs. 

The tax would apply based on building square footage, meaning commercial properties would continue paying the tax even when they are struggling with vacancies or other financial pressures. 

BOMA/GLA urges Pasadena voters to oppose the measure. 

Culver City Measure AA — Parcel Tax 

BOMA/GLA also opposes Measure AA, a new parcel tax intended to provide additional funding for Culver City public schools. 

The measure would charge $0.48 per square foot of building improvements every year for 10 years, up to $15,000 per parcel annually. 

For a commercial property that reaches the cap, that means $15,000 in additional taxes every year—or $150,000 over 10 years. 

BOMA/GLA recognizes the importance of strong public schools, but we oppose adding another property-based tax at a time when commercial buildings are already facing significant increases in the cost of doing business. 

BOMA/GLA urges Culver City voters to oppose Measure AA. 

These measures are part of a broader concern for commercial real estate: new taxes and mandates continue adding to the cost of owning and operating properties across Greater Los Angeles. 

Candidate Conversations

Voters across Los Angeles County will decide on a number of local races this November. As part of BOMA/GLA’s ongoing advocacy work, our Political Action Committee (PAC) meets with candidates to discuss issues affecting commercial real estate and better understand their priorities and positions. The candidate conversations highlighted below are informational and are separate from BOMA/GLA’s formal endorsements. 

• In Burbank, BOMA/GLA’s PAC met with Eddy Polon and David Donahue about permitting delays, office vacancies, and strengthening the city’s business climate. Polon emphasized helping businesses navigate city approvals and supporting local business growth. Donahue focused on property owners’ rights, reducing costs, and improving city services through staffing and technology. 

• In El Segundo, BOMA/GLA’s PAC met with Chris Pimentel about local issues affecting businesses and commercial properties, along with his experience serving as the city’s mayor. Pimentel discussed partnering with the commercial real estate community to address local challenges and support a strong business climate. 

• In Santa Monica, BOMA/GLA’s PAC met with Doug Trussler, Caroline Torosis, and Lana Negrete about faster permitting, fewer barriers to tenant improvements, and stronger support for local businesses. Trussler emphasized filling vacant commercial spaces and avoiding new business taxes. Torosis highlighted clearer approval timelines, while Negrete shared her perspective as a small business owner, including support for grants and outdoor dining. 

• In West Hollywood, BOMA/GLA’s PAC met with Kyle Brazeal and John Duran about simplifying permitting, supporting local businesses, and addressing commercial vacancies. Brazeal emphasized reducing repeated reviews and delays in city approvals. Duran highlighted cutting red tape, helping owners adapt vacant properties for new uses, and opposing vacancy taxes. 

These local offices can directly impact commercial real estate through decisions involving permitting, public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, economic development, taxes, and business regulations. 

BOMA/GLA’s engagement continues beyond election season. Recent action in Los Angeles shows how working with local leaders can help move member priorities forward. 

Recent Local Action

Los Angeles: Progress on Tenant Improvement Permitting 

Faster permitting remains a priority for BOMA/GLA members. Mayor Karen Bass’ Executive Directive 19 has helped move reform forward, with registration now open for Los Angeles’ new Tenant Improvement Self-Certification Program. 

The program is designed to allow qualified architects and engineers to certify plans for eligible commercial renovations, helping owners prepare spaces and tenants open sooner. This is a welcome step toward addressing the permitting delays BOMA/GLA members have raised in conversations with city leaders. 

Why Local Elections Matter to CRE

Some of the decisions with the greatest day-to-day impact on commercial buildings happen at the local level. 

City councils and other local officials make decisions involving: 

• Permitting and development approvals 

• Taxes and fees 

• Public safety 

• Homelessness and encampments 

• Building regulations 

• Parking and transportation 

• Infrastructure 

• Economic development 

That is why BOMA/GLA continues meeting directly with local policymakers and engaging members when major proposals could affect their properties. 

Statewide Offices on the Ballot

California voters will decide races for: 

• Governor 

• Lieutenant Governor 

• Attorney General 

• Secretary of State 

• Controller 

• Treasurer 

• Insurance Commissioner 

• Superintendent of Public Instruction 

• Members of the State Board of Equalization 

• State Senate (in applicable districts) 

• State Assembly  

 Read BOMA California’s endorsements and positions on key statewide propositions here.

Why It Matters 

State leaders make decisions that can directly impact commercial real estate, including building and energy regulations, insurance, labor laws, housing and development, taxes, transportation, utility costs, and the overall business environment. 

Before You Vote

The General Election is November 3, 2026. 

As you review your ballot, take time to understand the candidates and measures that could affect commercial properties, businesses, employees, and communities across Greater Los Angeles. 

Stay connected with BOMA on the Frontline for continued election and policy updates affecting commercial real estate.