A proposed plan requiring mandatory retrofits of wood-frame and certain concrete buildings in LA has been announced. It's an important step towards creating a more resilient city, but concerns have been raised about who should pay for this effort. Finding creative financing solutions will be critical to the success of LA's retrofit program.

CINCINNATI—Susan Branscome will lead the office, making her NorthMarq's fourth female managing director.

EAST HANOVER, NJ—Locally-based Novartis Pharmaceuticals, which has announced job cuts several times already this year, reports it will layoff 200 workers by February.

BALTIMORE—An increase in the number of transactions as well as rising property values have caused real estate revenues to rise sharply in Baltimore.