FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2026

CONTACT: Jayma File, NAIOP Colorado | 303-782-0155 | [email protected]

Looking Ahead: Leadership, Growth, and a New Era

 By: NAIOP Colorado Chapter President, Brian Dietz

It is one of the greatest honors of my career to have been elected by the membership of NAIOP Colorado to be your    Chapter President during such a momentous year. I entered the commercial real estate business in 2004 and promptly    joined NAIOP. My first boss was adamant about it, telling me, “Do this for you, not the company. It will pay dividends in    your career.” Boy, was he right.

Public Policy Update: Key Issues NAIOP Colorado Is Tracking

By: 2025-2026 Public Policy Chairs 

As the 2026 legislative and rulemaking landscape begins to take shape, NAIOP Colorado’s Public Policy team is actively engaged on a wide range of proposals that could significantly impact commercial real estate, construction, and business operations across the state. Here’s a snapshot of what we’re watching — and why it matters.

1. Colorado Energy Office: “Net Zero by 2050” Legislation: The Colorado Energy Office is advancing new legislation aimed at reaching statewide carbon neutrality by 2050. They recently backed down from the original goal of 2040. While the 2050 goal remains ambitious, the policy details will have major implications for commercial buildings, capital planning, and compliance costs. NAIOP is working closely with industry partners to ensure mandates are achievable and aligned with real-world building operations.
2. Rodenticide Restrictions: A proposed statewide restriction on rodenticides aims to protect wildlife, but it introduces significant concerns about building safety, public health, and ongoing property management. NAIOP is monitoring the bill to ensure legislators understand the operational realities of maintaining safe commercial spaces.
3. “Extreme Temperatures” Construction Limits: A policy concept would restrict construction activities during extreme heat or cold. While worker safety is essential, NAIOP is raising concerns about the feasibility of weather-based shutdowns in Colorado’s unpredictable climate — and the ripple effects on project delivery timelines, costs, and commercial supply.
4. County Authority to Impose Excise Taxes: Several counties are exploring expanded authority to levy excise taxes. NAIOP is engaging early to ensure any such proposals are transparent, justified, and do not create unpredictable or duplicative cost burdens on development or business activity.
5. Retainage Reform: Option to Use a Retainage Bond: A new proposal would allow contractors to post a retainage bond instead of the traditional retainage withholding. NAIOP continues to evaluate how this change may influence project financing, risk management, and administrative complexity.
6. Ballot Initiative #91: Retail Theft & Vehicle Theft Penalties: Ballot Initiative #91 seeks to strengthen penalties for retail and vehicle theft — issues that continue to impact commercial centers throughout Colorado. NAIOP is watching this initiative closely as it moves toward the 2026 ballot, seeing strong potential for meaningful public-safety improvements.
7. CDOT I-270 Widening Project: Public Comment Open: CDOT has released updated plans for the I-270 widening project, a key freight and commuter corridor that directly affects commercial access and development. Planned improvements include additional lanes, interchange redesigns, and traffic flow enhancements. Members are encouraged to review the proposal and submit public comment: Submit your comments HERE 
8. Legal Update: NAIOP Colorado’s Lawsuit with, CAA, AAMD & CHLA: NAIOP Colorado, the Apartment Association of Metro Denver, the Colorado Apartment Association, and the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association continue to pursue litigation challenging state regulatory overreach affecting commercial and multifamily properties. The case is currently before the court, with motions to dismiss under review by the judge.

Member Perspectives: Celeste Tanner

Celeste Tanner didn’t set out to build a career in commercial real estate. An English major who “fell into” an administrative role, she discovered what would become a through-line of her leadership: development is a team sport, and every project tells a story. Today, as she takes on the role of National Chair for NAIOP, Tanner is focused on reframing public perception, advancing policy in new spaces for commercial real estate, and empowering teams to grow and lead.

Tanner’s introduction to the industry was anything but traditional. “I had zero background or interest in commercial real estate,” she laughed. “I started as an administrative assistant at a real estate shop. What really kept me was the team. It’s not a single-person industry. What I love is bringing different personalities together, getting everyone on the same page, and moving forward together.” That emphasis on collaboration became a foundation of her career and ultimately of Confluent Development.

A Year End Message from NAIOP President Brandon Kramer 

Dear NAIOP Colorado Members, Partners, and Friends,

As we close out the last official year of the NAIOP Colorado Chapter, and prepare to welcome in the dawn of the CREDA Colorado Chapter era, I look back at a transformational year for our commercial real estate community. This year brought both challenges and opportunities for our industry, and NAIOP Colorado rose to meet each one. Together, we delivered high-impact programming, expanded educational offerings, and provided essential advocacy on issues shaping development, land use, and economic growth. Our marquee events—ranging from Market Forecasts to Developing Leaders programs to our most successful Fight Night ever, we saw record participation and engagement. These accomplishments are only possible because of the dedication and support of members like you. Your participation, whether through volunteering, attending events, sponsoring programs, or contributing industry expertise has strengthened our chapter and elevated the voice of CRE professionals across the state.

University of Denver Wins 2025 Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge with Visionary “Thornton Gateway” Redevelopment

Submitted by Stacy Stout, BRANDiac Strategies

DENVER, COLO. – The University of Denver has claimed the coveted Tracey Wilkes NAIOP Cup at the 2025 Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge (RMREC), hosted by NAIOP Colorado and presented by Land Title Guarantee Company. Blue Jay Development, the winning team from the University of Denver, impressed judges and a full house of real estate professionals with their comprehensive redevelopment proposal for the Thornton Shopping Center site — a transformative project at the heart of South Thornton. 

March 2025 Public Policy Outlook

Published March 28, 2025 | courtesy of Kathie Barstnar

The Colorado General Assembly is halfway through its 2025 legislative session with 38 days remaining. Many issues are working their way through the process. Here are a few early success stories and the top 3 issues to be aware of:

Student Teams Reimagine Thornton Shopping Center in 23rd Real Estate Challenge

Submitted by Stacy Stout, 2025 Challenge Vision Chair with BRANDiac Strategies

DENVER, COLO. – Graduate students from the University of Denver and the University of Colorado are set to compete in the 23rd Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge, presented by Land Title Guarantee Company and NAIOP Colorado. This year, the Challenge spotlights the redevelopment of the historic 15.6-acre Thornton Shopping Center site. The event culminates with final project presentations on April 30, 2025.  

A Message from NAIOP President Brandon Kramer
Submitted by NAIOP President Brandon Kramer, Published January 2025

The great Mike Tyson once stated, “Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face.” As we look forward to the coming year, the challenges the commercial real estate market has faced in the last few years are presenting some headwinds as we head into this year, but there will certainly be opportunities. We must stay unified as an industry and weather the storm together. Through the incredible network of individuals at NAIOP, we can mutually learn, grow, and partner to ensure Colorado’s commercial real estate industry thrives. I have long pitched the organization, and the value it brings to not only the industry but its members, as a “get what you give” proposition. This organization and its success, amidst tumultuous times, is dependent upon you – the right people – coming together. 

I am sincerely honored to serve in the capacity as President of NAIOP this coming year. I look forward to further developing relationships with our members to hear how we can continuously improve to meet needs, advocate for effective public policy, and to serve the Colorado commercial real estate industry successfully.