What started out as a celebration to mark our young nation’s independence from England more than 200 years ago has evolved into a national holiday that celebrates the American spirit, our nation’s independent and powerful leadership in the World.

We were founded by recognizing a person’s inherent rights and responsibilities. We were founded on the principles of equality, religious tolerance, and opportunity. These beliefs have been challenged many times over the years but have always been defended by men and women willing to protect these principles, sometimes by risking the ultimate sacrifice.

As you celebrate Independence Day this year, take a moment to reflect on the unique and great nature of this country and to thank those who have given their lives to defend our way of life, as well as the current men and women in uniform in harm’s way.

On Monday, the governor and leaders of the state senate and assembly reached an agreement on the ’23-’24 state budget, set to take affect on Saturday. The budget agreement was delayed due to the governor’s infrastructure streamlining proposals announced in May. The agreement reached on Monday includes support for the governor’s proposals which will be voted on this week in the form of the following trailer bills:

·     SB 145 (Newman) Environmental mitigation

·     SB 146 (Gonzalez) Public resources

·     SB 147 (Ashby) Fully protected species

·     SB 149 (Caballero) Environmental Quality Act

·     SB 150 (Durazo) Construction

CBPA will continue to advocate for the governor’s infrastructure package. These proposals are essential in order to accelerate critical energy, water and transportation infrastructure projects we need to achieve California’s climate goals while strengthening our state’s economic competitiveness.  

"I consider attending CCRES a vital component of our advocacy efforts that can have profound positive effects for commercial real estate at state and local levels. There’s really nothing like meeting our legislators face-to-face. Not to mention, the various opportunities to learn from our colleagues about key legislation, and how that is helpful in terms of preparing our local markets in their advocacy efforts."

NATHAN MORALES

Lincoln Property Company

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath is leading an effort to put an L.A. County tax on the 2024 ballot through a citizen backed initiative. By putting it on the ballot in such a manner, it will use the Upland Loophole and will need a simple majority vote in order to win rather than a two-thirds majority. This is the same approach taken by the City of Los Angeles to pass Measure ULA, the transfer tax. Additionally, San Diego is in the early stages of proposing its own transfer tax, and the City of Perris has approved a special election for a new warehouse tax.

CBPA is closely monitoring proposed taxes across the state and utilizing funds to take opposition efforts as needed in order to advocate for our industry and the competitiveness of our state.