The BUILDING OWNERS AND MANAGERS ASSN. OF CLEVELAND was formed in 1913 by 28 downtown building owners to look after their interests. Incorporated in 1914, the organization assumed the dual function of promoting high standards of property management among its members and of working with local government and the community on legislative, regulatory, and civic concerns. Throughout its history, BOMA has been an outspoken critic of school, municipal, and welfare operating levies that would affect property taxes, and has encouraged its own members to exercise fiscal restraint through efficient management and to charge reasonable rates to assure a satisfied, stable tenant population. One of its most important activities has been as a legislative spokesman on industry issues in Columbus through its lobbying arm, Ohio BOMA, and in Washington as a part of BOMA Intl. BOMA works with other community groups to promote Cleveland as an office-building center. The organization has worked to improve the attractiveness of downtown to both owners and tenants by supporting issues such as vendor licensing, CEI reduction of steam-heat rates, and fair assessments on property owners for sewers and other capital improvements. From its offices in the Halle Bldg. at 1228 Euclid, BOMA provides information on the industry to its members through monthly newsletters and meetings, special reports and publications, and periodic seminars. Its membership represents approx. 20 million sq. ft. of commercial office property and is open to building owners and managers, major tenants, engineers, architects, real estate professionals, appraisers, and those who supply and service the office-building industry.
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