How the CRE Industry Can Support Businesses Displaced by Wildfires 

Recent wildfires have impacted many small businesses in Los Angeles County. To help, the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) launched the Space Share platform, linking displaced businesses with free temporary workspaces donated by others. 

This gives property owners and managers a chance to support economic recovery. By participating, you can help businesses recover and contribute to the resilience of our CRE community. 

What You Need to Know

The platform is a simple portal where businesses can list available space with details on location, size, and availability.  

Displaced businesses, including nonprofits, can use these listings to find temporary spaces. This free tool lets businesses negotiate directly, offering flexibility for both sides. 

For displaced businesses, staying open is vital for their livelihoods and employees. The Space Share platform could help boost economic recovery by connecting those in need with resources to keep their work going. 

Property managers, building owners, and CRE professionals can help by offering vacant or unused spaces within their portfolios. Whether it’s an office, meeting room, or shared space, your help can make a big difference. 

How It Impacts You

Joining the Space Share initiative is a chance to support the community, build relationships, show leadership, and help strengthen LA County's economy.  

By offering space, you’ll help keep local businesses strong, which can benefit the commercial real estate market in the long run. 

If you want to participate, please start by: 

Identifying Available Spaces: Review your properties to determine any vacant or underutilized spaces suitable for temporary use. 

Create Listings: Visit the Business-to-Business Space Share portal to create a listing. Include details such as size, amenities, and availability. 

Spread the Word: Share this resource with your tenants and industry networks to encourage wider participation. 

Connect and Negotiate: Displaced businesses will reach out to discuss terms, allowing you to collaborate and agree on arrangements directly. 

Stay Connected

We’ll keep you updated on BOMA on the Frontline for how this platform performs in driving economic resiliency. By using your expertise and resources, you can help displaced businesses stay open and rebuild.  

Seeing our community collaborate in support of recovery highlights how the CRE industry can strengthen resilience.