How to Navigate Riot and Protest Damages (BOMA 2026 Preview)

Why It Matters

Civil unrest poses growing physical and brand risks for commercial real estate, and a structured recovery plan can protect assets and tenant relationships. The BOMA panel equips managers with actionable guidance to reduce liability and preserve market confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Riot risk spikes for properties housing politically targeted tenants
• Insurance, media, and tenant communication are core recovery pillars
• BOMA panel offers actionable templates for pre‑event planning
• Proactive training reduces post‑protest liability and reputation loss

Pulse Analysis

Civil unrest has become a recurring threat to commercial real estate, with recent protests causing extensive property damage and brand fallout. Property owners now face a dual challenge: protecting physical assets while maintaining tenant confidence and public perception. Industry events like the BOMA International Conference are responding by spotlighting risk‑mitigation strategies that go beyond traditional security measures, emphasizing the need for comprehensive preparedness.

The upcoming BOMA panel, moderated by Fortress Consulting’s Paul Merritt, brings together security, legal, and recovery experts to dissect the three pillars of an effective post‑riot plan: insurance coverage, media relations, and tenant communication. Attendees will receive concrete templates for documenting damage, navigating insurance claims, and crafting consistent messaging for the press. By integrating these components into a rehearsed response protocol, property managers can accelerate repairs, limit financial exposure, and demonstrate accountability to occupants.

For the broader real‑estate sector, adopting these best practices signals a shift toward proactive resilience. Companies that embed training, scenario planning, and stakeholder outreach into their operational DNA are better positioned to safeguard revenue streams and preserve market reputation. As protests become more frequent and unpredictable, the ability to swiftly coordinate insurance claims, manage media narratives, and keep tenants informed will differentiate resilient owners from those vulnerable to prolonged disruption.