The July 1 minimum wage increases across Los Angeles are already reshaping payroll budgets, and for property managers in budget season, the impact is immediate. With rates now as high as $17.87/hour in the City of Los Angeles, labor costs are rising faster than many budgets anticipated. For properties with on-site staff, janitorial teams, security, or day porter services, these increases can significantly impact your tenants’ and your properties’ bottom line if not addressed now.

But local wage hikes aren’t the only factor driving labor cost pressure.

A Perfect Storm of Labor Market Forces

Several economic and political developments are intensifying wage pressures across California:

1. The Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (AB 1228), effective April 2024, raised the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20.00/hour, setting a new wage benchmark that’s spilling into other sectors, including property services and maintenance.
2. Tariff uncertainty and global economic instability have kept inflation steady and wage expectations high, as workers seek to maintain purchasing power.
3. A shrinking labor pool, driven in part by a tightening political environment around immigration and employment, has made it harder to fill essential service roles, particularly in janitorial, maintenance, and hospitality.
4. Major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, are already influencing wage expectations in hospitality and related services, with industry insiders forecasting rates as high as $30.00/hour for event-related roles.

These combined forces are putting unprecedented pressure on property owners and their managers and contractors to pay more and offer better benefits to attract and retain the skilled workforce that cares for and maintains their properties.

The New Wage Landscape

Here’s how the current and upcoming wage changes are shaping up:

• • California Statewide:
    • $16.50/hour (as of Jan. 1, 2025)
    • $16.90/hour (as of Jan. 1, 2026)
  • City of Los Angeles: $17.87/hour (effective July 1, 2025)
  • Unincorporated LA County: $17.81/hour (effective July 1, 2025)
  • Hotels & Airport Workers: Conditional $22.50/hour starting July 2025, pending final approval
  • Hospitality Sector Projections: Rates may reach $30.00/hour by 2026–2028 due to major events

Why This Hits Budgets Hard

Labor often accounts for 40–60% of a property’s operating expenses. Even small hourly increases add up quickly.

Example: A full-time employee earning $16.90/hour now earns $17.87/hour, a $0.97 increase. Over a year, that’s $2,000+ more per employee before factoring in benefits, overtime, or payroll taxes. Multiply that across several staff members and properties, and the impact on NOI (Net Operating Income) becomes significant.

For property managers juggling multiple properties or navigating owner expectations, this shift demands more than just updating spreadsheets, it calls for strategic labor planning, contract review, and creative cost control.

Strategies for Protecting the Bottom Line This Budget Season

1. Review Staffing and Vendor Contracts: Ensure contracts reflect the correct wage rates and evaluate whether current staffing levels match your budget priorities.
2. Incorporate Long-Term Wage and Benefits Growth: With wage increases tied to CPI and market conditions, plan for annual wage escalations of 3–5%, not just a one-time hike.
3. Leverage Vendor Partnerships: Work with trusted service providers like CAM Property Services, who optimize labor allocation, maintain service quality, and ensure compliance. CAM verifies all employees through the federal E-Verify system to confirm work authorization.
4. Communicate Early with Owners and Stakeholders: Set realistic expectations about how labor trends and wage increases will affect service levels and operating budgets.
5. Look for Efficiency Gains: Offset higher labor costs by adjusting schedules, multitasking roles, or integrating technology for better efficiency.

How CAM Property Services Can Help

CAM is your partner in navigating the complex and evolving wage landscape. We help property managers:

• Adjust service plans to meet both budget and compliance needs
• Provide accurate labor cost forecasting for multi-year planning
• Maintain service quality while managing wage escalation
• Ensure legal compliance with current wage laws and postings
• Hire only work-authorized employees through E-Verify

Bottom Line

The July 1 minimum wage increases are here, and they’re only the beginning. The convergence of legislation, inflation, labor shortages, and mega-events like the World Cup and Olympics will continue to raise labor costs across California.

For property managers, this is more than a compliance update, it’s a budgetary turning point. Acting now protects your bottom line, ensures uninterrupted service, and prepares your properties for what’s next.

CAM Property Services is here to help you stay compliant, competitive, and profitable in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

At CAM Property Services, community is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to making a positive impact in the places where we live, work, and play, contributing our time, resources, and funding to organizations that create meaningful change. One such organization is the Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

We are proud to honor KYCC’s legacy of service, recognizing its powerful contributions to Los Angeles through youth development, family support, and transformative urban forestry programs. With CAM’s CEO, David Herrera, serving on KYCC’s Board of Directors, our team remains dedicated to building greener, healthier neighborhoods for generations to come.

KYCC: A Legacy of Service and Sustainability

Since its founding in 1975, KYCC has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles community, providing essential resources for youth and families while championing environmental initiatives. Among its many achievements, KYCC’s urban forestry program has planted over 12,000 trees throughout Los Angeles. These efforts extend far beyond beautification, they reduce air pollution, mitigate urban heat, and foster safer, healthier environments for all residents.

“KYCC’s tree planting program is about more than just beautifying neighborhoods, it’s about creating a healthier future for generations to come.” – David Herrera, CEO, CAM Property Services

Partnering for a Better Future

CAM Property Services is proud to stand alongside KYCC in its mission to uplift communities and create lasting, positive change. Through his role on the Board of Directors, David Herrera helps guide KYCC’s efforts to expand its reach and strengthen its impact across Los Angeles.

Get Involved

As KYCC celebrates 50 years of service, there are many ways you can make a difference. Join upcoming events, tree planting initiatives, or making a donation to support its mission.

At CAM Property Services, we believe that great service starts with smart solutions. That’s why we continue to invest in facility maintenance technology that makes it easier and more efficient for property owners and managers to stay on top of their building needs.

From real-time updates to streamlined communication, our tech-forward approach to property services helps us deliver faster response times, better outcomes, and an unmatched client experience. Here’s how we’re staying ahead of the competition—and how that benefits you.

Smarter Service with Our Client Portal

Managing multiple properties is no easy task—but our user-friendly Client Portal simplifies the process. Available 24/7, the portal gives clients full visibility into service requests, work orders, project updates, and billing.

With everything in one secure location, property managers can manage maintenance efficiently, minimize downtime, and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth communication. It’s just one more way CAM delivers convenient facility maintenance solutions.

Technology-Powered Client Success Center

Our newly launched Client Success Center adapts technology to help route calls and messages to the right CAM team member. This intelligent system helps eliminate delays, reduce miscommunication, and ensure faster service request resolutions.

Whether you need emergency repair, janitorial support, or landscape maintenance, our technology ensures you’re connected to the right expert immediately saving time and delivering a better client experience.

A Culture of Innovation

Technology isn’t just something we use—it’s part of our DNA. From drone inspections and thermal imaging to sustainable water-saving systems, we’re constantly leveraging cutting-edge tools to deliver value and results to our clients.

By staying on top of the latest advancements in commercial property maintenance technology, we give our clients the confidence that their facilities are in expert hands.

Experience CAM’s Technology Advantage

If you’re looking for a facility maintenance partner who combines exceptional service with smart solutions, CAM Property Services is here to help. Let us show you how our tech-powered property services can streamline your operations and elevate your properties.

Ready to see the difference?

Contact us today or explore our website to get started.

Introducing the CAM’s Client Success Center: Your go-to hub for seamless, strategic support

At CAM Property Services, we understand that time is of the essence for property owners —whether you’re managing a commercial space or a residential property. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new Client Success Center, a centralized hub designed to improve how we handle service-related inquiries and requests. This new feature is designed with one goal in mind: To streamline communication, enhance efficiency, and deliver the exceptional service you expect from the Property Pros.

A single point of contact for all your service needs.

Gone are the days of navigating through multiple channels to resolve property service issues. With the launch of CAM’s Client Success Center, property owners and managers now have a single, dedicated point of contact for all service requests. Whether it’s routine cleaning, urgent maintenance, or a critical repair, our Client Success Center ensures that your needs are dispatched swiftly and effectively.

The Client Success Center functions as a command center for all service-related matters, performing such critical tasks as:

• Receiving service requests: Whether it’s a routine or emergency service request, our center handles all inquiries, from cleaning to maintenance and repairs.
• Dispatching work tickets: Every service request is logged into our system, ensuring that each task is tracked from start to finish. This guarantees that no request falls through the cracks and is completed to maximum standards.
• Task assignment: Once a request is logged, the Client Success Center assigns the appropriate team members or field staff to the task, ensuring it’s handled by the right Property Pros.
• Status tracking: The Client Success Center doesn’t just log requests — our team actively monitors them. We track progress to make sure deadlines are met, and the highest service quality standards are maintained.

Comprehensive scope of services.

CAM’s Client Success Center covers a wide range of service needs, including (but not limited to):

• Routine service requests
• Emergency service requests
• After-hours support requests

No matter the time of day or the complexity of the task, the Property Pros are here to ensure your space is expertly well-maintained.

A commitment to seamless service.

At CAM Property Services, we are committed to offering a seamless experience for our valued clients. The Client Success Center enhances communication, improves response times, and ensures the smooth execution of services. It’s another step in our ongoing effort to deliver excellent service while addressing our clients’ needs with greater speed and precision.

With the Client Success Center now live, we are more equipped than ever to manage, track, and resolve service requests efficiently and effectively. Reach out today and let us handle the details while you focus on what matters most — your property.

Your go-to stop for seamless, strategic support

Property management is a lot to juggle – maintenance calls, vendor coordination, tenant needs, and last-minute repairs. That’s why CAM Property Services created the Client Success Center, your all-in-one hub for fast, reliable support.

This dedicated resource is designed to make property management easier by streamlining communication, improving response times, and ensuring every service request is handled with expert care.

One Point of Contact. Complete Confidence.

No more guessing who to call or waiting for updates. The Client Success Center gives property owners and managers one direct line for every service need, from routine janitorial requests to urgent repairs.

Here’s how we make it simple:

• Quick request handling: Send your service request and our team logs and dispatches it immediately.
• Smart task assignment: Each job is matched to the right Property Pros for efficient results.
• Ongoing tracking: We monitor every request from start to finish to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Quality follow-through: Our team ensures every task meets CAM’s high standards before it’s closed.

It’s one contact, one system, and one less thing for you to manage.

Support That’s Always There to Help

The CAM Client Success Center is here to support all your property service needs – whether it’s routine maintenance, cleaning, or a special project.

We handle:

• Routine service requests
• Billing Inquiries
• Urgent maintenance needs
• Specialized property services

No matter the request, our Property Pros respond quickly and professionally to keep your property running smoothly.

Service Made Seamless

At CAM Property Services, we’re committed to delivering more than great service, we deliver client success. The Client Success Center is an extension of that promise, designed to simplify your workload while giving you confidence that every detail is being managed.

With streamlined communication, faster response times, and proactive tracking, you get a smoother, more efficient experience every step of the way.

Let CAM Handle the Details

Managing properties takes focus and with the CAM Client Success Center, you can keep that focus where it belongs. We’ll take care of the rest.

Ready to simplify your property management?

Contact the CAM Client Success Center today and see how we make managing your property easier, smarter, and more seamless than ever.

By David Herrera, President & CEO, CAM Property Services

“Used correctly, AI isn’t cheating. It’s leverage, and it pulled me back into strategic thinking.”

Every year, I commit to a Personal Annual Review,  not as a formality, but as a discipline. This year’s review was guided by a framework shared by Sahil Bloom. The seven questions themselves are simple. The honesty they demand is not.

This exercise forced clarity, and clarity drives progress. What follows is a candid reflection on the lessons, discomfort, and hard truths that defined my year.

1. What did I change my mind on this year?

I didn’t change my mind about leadership or leverage — but I realized I had spent too much time on non-strategic work. Execution had crowded out elevation.

I also did a complete 180 on ChatGPT. I once viewed AI as “cheating” or lazy. I was wrong. Used correctly, it’s leverage. Since the start of 2025, AI has improved productivity, decision-making, and strategic focus, pulling me back to where I can have the most impact.

I also rethought how we access talent. Virtual Assistants and hybrid/remote teams proved to be a highly capable resource pool when intentionally integrated. The contribution from a broader pool of A-players is real, but only when culture, communication, and workflows are deliberately designed to include them.

2. What created energy this year?

Strategic work energized me. Staying focused on direction and growth rather than getting lost in planning or execution was invigorating. Teaching leaders to think beyond their current role, and watching them grow comfortable with discomfort, reinforced a truth I’ve seen repeatedly: real progress comes from stepping outside comfort zones.

3. What drained energy this year?

The single biggest drain was losing client trust and business. Operational issues that lingered longer than they should have compounded that drain, especially when the same problems resurfaced.

Lesson: Repairing client trust after it’s lost is far more expensive than protecting it in the first place.

4. What were the “boat anchors” in my life?

The most significant boat anchors were employees resistant to change. In hindsight, delaying necessary disruption slowed growth.

I’ve always believed order comes out of chaos. I should have disrupted earlier to create the discomfort that produces superior outcomes.

5. What did I not do because of fear?

I waited too long to introduce necessary changes in people, structure, and accountability out of concern for instability.

This year reinforced a hard truth: stability without progress is not stability at all — it’s a culture killer.

6. Greatest hits and worst misses

Greatest Hits:

• Regaining strategic altitude and improving decision quality through AI
• Building leadership capacity and reinforcing accountability
• Re-centering my role on growth, not execution

Worst Misses:

• Allowing resistance to change to persist too long
• Waiting to force organizational resets
• Underestimating the cultural drag of unclear standards

Reminder: Discomfort isn’t a warning sign. It’s a prerequisite for growth.

7. What did I learn this year?

• Growth requires leaders at every level to think one level up.
• Clarity beats speed.
• Systems beat heroics.
• Strategy beats activity.

Fail fast, learn faster, move forward stronger.

This Personal Annual Review was uncomfortable, and that’s exactly why it mattered.

Editor’s Note:

At CAM Property Services, our vision is built on clarity, accountability, and continuous evolution. This reflection from President and CEO David Herrera offers insight into the leadership principles and lessons shaping our long-term strategy, strengthening our culture, and guiding how we deliver exceptional value to our clients and communities.

January often brings change in commercial real estate. New property owners take over assets, property managers take over new portfolios, and service contracts come under review. While evaluating vendors is a natural part of any transition, one critical factor is often overlooked: the value of continuity and established processes. Working with a property maintenance service provider that has documented systems, institutional knowledge, and consistent execution can protect asset value, reduce risk, and ensure a smooth transition, especially during times of change.

The Hidden Cost of Vendor Disruption

Changing vendors during a property transition may seem like a fresh start, but it often comes with unintended consequences. New vendors require time to learn site-specific needs, service histories, and tenant expectations. During that learning curve, properties can experience:

• Gaps in service coverage
• Inconsistent quality standards
• Delayed response times
• Missed maintenance issues
• Increased tenant complaints

Without continuity, even well-managed properties can quickly shift from proactive care to reactive problem-solving.

Why Processes Matter More Than Promises

Not all property service providers operate the same way. A process-driven company relies on documented workflows rather than individual personnel or informal practices. These processes ensure consistency regardless of ownership or management changes and typically include:

• Standardized inspections and maintenance schedules
• Quality control checks and accountability measures
• Clear escalation and reporting procedures
• Detailed service documentation and records
• Structured communication protocols

When processes are in place, service quality remains stable, even as leadership, ownership, or management evolves.

Continuity Protects Property Value and Performance

Established vendors bring historical insight that cannot be replaced overnight. Knowledge of a property’s systems, usage patterns, and recurring issues allows service providers to identify risks early and respond efficiently. Continuity helps:

• Prevent costly emergency repairs
• Maintain compliance with safety and accessibility standards
• Preserve curb appeal and common areas
• Support tenant satisfaction and retention
• Create predictable maintenance costs

For owners and managers focused on long-term asset performance, continuity is not a convenience; it’s a safeguard.

Why New Owners and Property Managers Benefit from Keeping the Right Vendor

Transitioning into a new role is demanding. Retaining a vendor with proven processes allows new owners and property managers to onboard faster and make informed decisions with confidence. Instead of starting from scratch, they gain immediate access to:

• Historical service data and maintenance trends
• Established site standards and expectations
• Existing communication and reporting systems
• A team already familiar with the property

This continuity provides stability during transition periods and allows leadership to focus on strategic goals rather than operational disruptions.

A Process-Driven Approach to Property Services

At CAM Property Services, consistency is built into every service we provide. Our team operates with structured systems designed to deliver reliable results across all property types. From janitorial and landscaping to building maintenance, pressure washing, ADA remediation, and specialized inspections, our process-driven approach ensures:

• Consistent service quality
• Clear documentation and reporting
• Proactive maintenance planning
• Seamless coordination across multiple services

Our focus is not just maintaining properties, but supporting the people responsible for them.

Start the Year with Stability

As properties change hands and management teams shift, continuity becomes more important than ever. Partnering with a vendor that already understands your property and has the processes in place to support it can make the difference between a smooth transition and unnecessary challenges.

January is the time to evaluate not just who you work with, but how they work.

CAM Property Services is committed to providing structured, dependable property maintenance that supports long-term success.

Winter rain in Southern California may be brief, but the damage it leaves behind can impact your property’s appearance, safety, and long-term maintenance costs.
From debris-filled parking lots to stained sidewalks and clogged drains, post-storm cleanup is not just cosmetic, it’s preventative maintenance that protects your asset.
Here’s why storm cleanup and surface cleaning should be a priority after winter weather, and how CAM Property Services help your property stay protected.

Why Winter Rain Creates Hidden Risks

Even moderate rainfall can lead to:

• Mud and debris tracked into buildings
• Oil stains rising to the surface in parking lots
• Clogged storm drains and water pooling
• Slippery walkways and liability hazards
• Landscape erosion and irrigation disruption
• Mold or mildew buildup in shaded areas

Left untreated, these issues can lead to tenant complaints, safety concerns, and costly repairs.

1. Parking Lot & Exterior Surface Cleaning

Rain pulls oil, dirt, and contaminants to the surface of asphalt and concrete. Once the water evaporates, stains remain, and so does potential liability.

CAM Property Services provides:

• Parking lot sweeping
• Pressure washing
• Oil stain removal
• Sidewalk and curb cleaning
• Entryway and storefront washing

Routine surface cleaning not only improves curb appeal but also extends the lifespan of your pavement.

2. Storm Debris & Junk Removal

After high winds and rain, properties often experience:

• Fallen branches
• Landscape debris
• Overflowing trash enclosures
• Bulk waste accumulation

CAM’s Junk Removal & Hauling services quickly clear debris to restore safety and visual appeal — especially important for retail centers and multifamily communities.

3. Drainage & Compliance Protection

Clogged drains and debris buildup can lead to:

• Standing water
• Asphalt deterioration
• Slip-and-fall hazards
• Stormwater compliance issues

CAM offers proactive exterior maintenance and site inspections to help properties remain compliant and avoid preventable damage.

4. Landscape Restoration After Rain

Heavy rain can compact soil, disrupt irrigation systems, and expose roots.

CAM’s Landscaping Maintenance & Drought Solutions include:

• Irrigation system inspections
• Soil and erosion control
• Plant replacement
• Seasonal landscape adjustments

Addressing these issues early prevents larger repair costs heading into spring and summer.

5. Preventative Maintenance = Cost Savings

Post-storm cleanup isn’t just about appearance, it protects your long-term budget.

Benefits include:

• Extending pavement life
• Reducing slip-and-fall risk
• Preventing water damage
• Improving tenant satisfaction
• Maintaining property value

February and early spring are ideal times to assess storm impact and schedule preventative cleaning before temperatures rise.

Why Choose CAM Property Services

CAM Property Services provides full-service commercial property maintenance throughout the Southern California, including:

• Landscaping Maintenance & Installation
• Janitorial & Day Porter Services
• Pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning
• Parking Lot Sweeping
• Junk Removal & Hauling
• ADA Remediation & CASp Support
• Drone Inspections & Thermal Imaging
• Building Maintenance & Repairs

Instead of coordinating multiple vendors, property managers can rely on one trusted partner to handle storm cleanup efficiently and professionally.

Protect Your Property After the Storm

Winter rain may be temporary, but the impact on your property can last if not addressed promptly.
If your commercial property, HOA, retail center, or multifamily community needs post-storm cleanup or preventative surface cleaning, CAM Property Services is ready to help.
Schedule a site assessment today and protect your property before spring.