Dana Arnold

Evolution of Community Engagement: New Approaches to Building Support for RE Developments. Evolve hosted a very informative and worthwhile event today. (Yep, they’re still carving a highly needed path in CRE.) Developers increasingly find themselves in choppy waters by not involving the people that live in proximity to a project early on. If they had enlisted a neighborhood outreach at the onset, the inclusion and communication could accelerate the timeline and calm the seas. Communities are willing to mobilize and collectively voice support for a desired concept, company, or a Culinary Dropout. And “interaction with the neighbors is as if not more important than the quality of your development” Brennan Ray, zoning attorney. Collaboration at the onset is key. But what do you do when the faceless adversary, aka social media, spreads misinformation that complicates the process with bad intel? Use social media to provide facts and bring transparency to dispel bad press. If possible, create a website that gives facts, data, summaries, traffic studies, site plans…most of which can be found via public websites anyway. Everyone’s voice is important. Grass roots community outreach is a collaboration worth the time and effort. #community #engagement #communityoutreach #development #cre #arizona Evolve Ventures, LLC Women in Commercial Real Estate - #womenincre Phoenix Business Journal GPS Commercial Advisors

16

5 Comments

As the demand for electric vehicles grows, businesses and retailers that offer charging stations stand to benefit significantly. Read more insights from our latest report below!

1

🌟 Happy to share that I was featured on behalf of Stoneweg US, LLC in a Multifamily Dive article highlighting the "Multifamily Market Breakdown: Sustainability Trends and Outlook" webinar I did with Breana Wheeler from BREEAM Official and industry experts Cope Willis from Greystar and Giuls Kunkel from MetLife Investment Management. 🎙️✨ If you're interested in the future of sustainability in multifamily real estate, this article offers some great insights. 💚🌍 https://lnkd.in/e-XGHpj6

60

3 Comments

I’ve been talking a lot about how to “future-proof” your CRE assets with energy efficiency being an integral part of the strategy. The regulations are already in place so it’s in your best interest to be proactive. California's updated Title 24 introduces new requirements mandating solar and energy storage for all new commercial and industrial buildings. This regulatory shift not only aims at sustainability but also presents opportunities for CRE owners and developers to monetize energy investments. Key highlights include: - Solar systems to cover 60% of electricity needs - Mandatory energy storage - EV charging mandates

4

2 Comments

Did you know that more than 60% of renters want sustainability? In a recent Renter Preferences survey from the National Multifamily Housing Council, 65% of renters said a healthy building certification would impact their leasing decision, while 62% said a sustainability certification would. Join us on Earth Day, April 22nd at 1PM CT, for an informative webcast hosted by Chris Cranfill, Director of Sustainability & Smart Water Solutions at RealPage®, Inc., and Elizabeth Lutz, VP of Sustainability at Camden Property Trust. This live virtual event will explore the multifamily sector's critical role in building a more sustainable future. Chris and Elizabeth will discuss: Environmental Strategies: Learn how cutting-edge technologies and best practices have positively impacted Camden’s energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management, and how these measures reduce the ecological footprint of multifamily properties. Social Responsibility: Discover how Camden has contributed to better affordable housing, community engagement, and residents' and employees' health and well-being. Governance & Leadership: Gain insight into the importance of having transparent ESG reporting, fostering stakeholder engagement and navigating the regulatory landscape. Technological Innovation: Explore how the use of prop-tech and advanced analytics can reduce overall water consumption, identify potential leaks and alert onsite maintenance personnel with automatic work orders. https://lnkd.in/gHfVP554 

5

If you’re in the business of helping low-income communities save money through the energy transition, this is a must watch/listen. Funding is out there but it takes work to get it to people in need efficiently. #cleanenergyforall

12

Don't make a mistake. Read our in-depth guide to truly understand what drives the success of CRE projects. We detail the fundamental factors that can either make or break your development’s viability. Follow the link below to discover valuable insights that can steer your project clear of pitfalls. https://lnkd.in/e_Za95gJ #CBUS #CLE #CRE

6

Without #sustainability improvements, >50% of NYC office and multi-family properties will be subject to significant fines by 2030 #LL97 #NYC ...Why? State and local governments in nearly every US metro are turning to Building Performance Standards (BPS) to mandate building-level energy use and emissions reductions. The limits set by BPS become increasingly stringent over time and typically include hefty fines for non-compliance. Looking at only NYC, Boston & Seattle, 14% of commercial real estate is estimated to be subject to penalties in the first round of limits, while 62% of building owners will likely face fines when second round goes into effect. For more insight, read our latest thinking and update. For a detailed analysis of your portfolio, please reach out! https://lnkd.in/gtBCEpcD #JLL #Risk #Advisory #ESG

12

Back from the BBQs, Diving into CRE: Hope on the Horizon? Happy 4th of July hangover (or is it just the heat?) to my fellow CRE professionals! I'm sure, like me, many of you are just getting back into the swing of things after a well-deserved holiday break. But with the second half of the year upon us, it's time to refocus and strategize for what lies ahead. Speaking of strategy, I came across a fascinating article this morning that caught my eye (because let's be honest, who jumps right back into heavy reports after fireworks and cookouts?). It tackled the ongoing uncertainty in the commercial real estate market, particularly with the Fed staying tight-lipped about rate cuts. The article made a compelling point: maybe this uncertainty itself is a good sign. Here's why: while the market undeniably contracted, there are glimmers of hope that suggest a potential recovery, not just a never-ending downward spiral. For instance, a Goldman Sachs analyst believes office transactions might have hit rock bottom. That's music to my ears! Beyond that, there are other positive signs: Transaction volume is on an upward tick for three months straight. It might be a slow climb, but it shows renewed investor interest, which is always a good thing. The flood of new space is slowing down. This could help us chip away at the current oversupply and stabilize vacancy rates. Distressed property sales are on the decline. This suggests investors are finding opportunities in more stable properties, which is a healthy sign for the overall market. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. The recent price increase could just be a temporary blip, like a summer fling. Only time will tell if it's a true turning point or a short break before the rollercoaster continues. The bottom line? The CRE market is a mixed bag right now. The future is uncertain, but these developments offer a flicker of hope. Here's to a productive second half, filled with smart deals and strategic wins! #CRE #commercialrealestate #markettrends #investing #economy NAIOP Wisconsin NAIOP Marquette University Vieth Institute for Real Estate Leadership https://lnkd.in/gg56aEpR

5

1 Comment

With diversity & inclusion under attack in the general economy, we need new models of thinking about its value. Here's a framework that I recently published in Commercial Observer: https://lnkd.in/exUyfezp

10

2 Comments

More developers are catering to the active boomer buyer. “Active adult” sector is among the best revenue producers in CRE. In a survey of five-dozen developers, more than half told John Burns Research and Consulting that they are including an age-restricted or age-targeted section in projects they are working on. #babyboomer #seniorhousing #development

2

Addressing climate change is one of President Joe Biden's top priorities, and his administration has taken aim at some of these unsustainable industrial practices in part of his executive order to achieve net-zero carbon emissions throughout the U.S. economy by 2050. #JLLgovernment #government #governmenttrends #futureofwork

1

"Pop quiz: What do inflation, climate change and zoning laws have in common? Answer: They’re all reasons that rental housing costs are pretty high these days, according to a Harvard University report." This is the opening to the attached article below. I've also linked to the Harvard Study on the state of the nation's housing that it references. The article and report serve to cooperate what I have been saying in prior posts. Housing starts are down in multi-family (Single Family as well, just as an FYI) and the product which is getting built is expensive. However, increased building and operations costs make it unfeasible to build anything else. The result is that NOAH (Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing) housing is disappearing and rent pressures will soon return across the board. Let's look at the math really quick from an investor's perspective. I can buy apartment A at $150,000 per door, with a 15% IRR and 8% Cash on Cash return, plus take advantage of future rent increases. Or I can try and build a similar apartment for $300,000 per door down the street, spend 24 months carrying the debt on it while fighting with the neighbors who don't want more apartments and the city that won't support me, whose rents are still capped by the market and hope to break even in year 5. Providing I can even find the contractors to build it for me. It get's even better if they are trying to build affordable housing. As we discussed on the NIMBY/YIMBY posts, the zoning/permitting fights to prevent "those people" from living nearby are epic. Plus now, on top of fighting the local municipality, they have to build according to the rules of the housing authority (on top of local rules) and have restrictions on rents. That's providing they get the tax credits in the first place because they are competitive, and developers often spend $100,000 plus and never even get an award. In order to apply for a tax credit award they have to have site control (buy or contract to buy the land), have proof of zoning, have initial architectural drawings, and pay application fees. These are the reasons that, as a broker, I'm not overly worried about my sector of commercial real estate. However, as an avid believer in affordable housing, I am terrified. https://lnkd.in/erWFEJHX https://lnkd.in/e9xgpuCc

3

"Positive job reports are hinting at a tailwind for office leasing, especially in high-density markets with newer construction," Crexi wrote. "According to Placer.ai, office visits have increased year-over-year, with office foot traffic in May 2024 rising by 8.6%, primarily driven by newer, amenity-rich office facilities." Average multifamily pricing has seen two consecutive quarters, even with ongoing inflation and high interest rates. The asset type is "well-positioned to serve as a more affordable alternative for individuals who would otherwise enter the housing market." https://lnkd.in/gJJhZPvY

2

#GHG - Melanie Nakagawa asking her main suppliers to use 100% carbon free energy by 2030. Big steps from a leader in the space. Likely to have broader implications for others. Given CA resent requirements to report scope 1, 2 AND 3 greenhouse gas emissions and NY’s pending bill asking for similar scope 3 emissions data more and more will likely follow Microsoft lead. Check it out. #Scope3 #leadership #measuring #verifying #reporting #wsj

7

Empowering front-line team members with information typically reserved for high-level leaders can significantly boost efficiency and decision-making. When team members have access to critical data, they can work autonomously, reducing the need for constant approvals and queries. This not only speeds up processes but also enhances their ability to make informed decisions independently. It’s a win-win: your team grows more confident and skilled, while senior leaders can devote more time to strategizing and addressing complex challenges that shape the organization’s future.   One transformative tool I’ve explored is the decision tree concept from Susan Scott’s “Fierce Conversations.” This tool has been pivotal in planning goals for myself and my leadership team. It helps us delegate more decisions to the frontline (the "leaves"), while we focus on guiding them to handle more significant decisions (the "branches" and "trunk").   For a deeper dive into how decision trees can enhance your decision-making processes, check out this insightful article: https://lnkd.in/gwSrfM86   I’d love to hear from you—what challenges have you faced in decision-making within your teams? #leadership #empowerment #decisionmaking #fierceconversations

43

1 Comment