Originally published on August 1, 2023, by Brielle Scott for NAIOP.

Making progress on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in commercial real estate may be challenging, but the workforce deserves – and increasingly demands – meaningful progress. However, organizations often aren’t sure where to begin.

In the first in a DEI webinar series presented by Trammel Crow Company, Rhonda Payne, CAE, founder and CEO of Flock Theory, introduced foundational concepts and key terms related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“There is no shame in starting where you are and knowing where you want to go when it comes to your DEI practice,” she said.

Originally published on February 2, 2023, by Brielle Scott for NAIOP E-Newsletter.

NAIOP, in conjunction with the Commercial Real Estate Diverse Supplier (CREDS) Consortium, has debuted the commercial real estate industry’s first collaborative supplier diversity initiative, helping to advance member companies’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives. NAIOP chapter leaders from across North America had the opportunity to learn more about the program this week at the Chapter Leadership and Legislative Retreat in Washington, D.C.

“We talk a lot about ESG as an element that guides corporate policies and investing strategies,” said Duane J. Desiderio, senior vice president and counsel for The Real Estate Roundtable, who spoke at the session. He said most companies are familiar with the ”e” in ESG – company policies related to environmental regulations, energy usage, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, etc.

But when it comes to the “s” or social aspect of ESG, “That’s where we heard from our members we needed to get involved,” Desiderio said. “What are the metrics for social impact in a company?”

Originally published on January 31, 2023, by Trey Barrineau for NAIOP E-Newsletter.

Like many industries, commercial real estate has often struggled to make progress on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). An interactive session during NAIOP’s Chapter Leadership and Legislative Retreat (CL&LR) in Washington, D.C., in late January explored the “what, why and how” of DEI and how firms in the industry can better implement it.

Rhonda Payne, CAE, the founder and CEO of Flock Theory, opened by discussing personal identity, which Psychology Today defines as “the memories, experiences, relationships and values that create one’s sense of self.” According to Payne, some aspects of each person’s identity are fixed. These include things you were born into, as well as the era in which you exist. Furthermore, there are the choices we make (such as which college to attend or what career to focus on) and the opportunities that are presented to us.

“All these things make up an individual’s identity,” Payne said. “All these contribute to the diversity within a space or team.”

Originally published by Jenna Glick in the Summer 2022 Issue of NAIOP's Development Magazine.

A new organization aims to simplify the process of procuring real estate suppliers from historically under-represented groups.

The lack of diversity in the commercial real estate industry has been under increased scrutiny for the past few years. Some of the largest companies in global real estate made it a priority, such as Blackstone appointing a global head of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in June 2021 and CBRE hiring a chief responsibility officer in 2020. Cushman & Wakefield named its first chief DEI officer in December 2020, and JLL expanded its internal team dedicated to DEI initiatives.

Inclusion initiatives focused on sourcing and fostering diverse talent are widely recognized, but they are only part of the equation. Another component involves supplier diversity and inclusion programs that leverage corporate purchasing power.

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Bonds on November Ballot For Charlotte, Gastonia

On Nov. 8, Gastonia residents will vote on a $75 million Transportation General Obligation Bond Referendum. The City Council approved the bond referendum at its Aug. 2 meeting.  

Proposed projects include:

• Street and road repairs
• Pedestrian walkways (sidewalks)
• Street resurfacing
• Utility relocations
• Street intersection improvements
• Street light improvements

For more information, visit this link.       

Charlotte voters will also have the opportunity to vote on a $226 million bond package that will upgrade and enhance streets, build housing for low-to moderate-income individuals and families, and improve infrastructure in the city's older neighborhoods and emerging high-growth areas. 

originally published by Brielle Scott for NAIOP National

It is critical to understand the key factors and takeaways that will shift life as we know it today, so the built environment can appropriately adapt and respond to life post-pandemic. 

U.S. demographics are becoming increasingly diverse. However, commercial real estate continues to lag, especially with representation in C-suite roles. At NAIOP’s 2021 Chapter Leadership and Legislative Retreat, Equality Institute CEO Bernadette Smith shared strategies to help real estate companies become more diverse and inclusive.

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CREW Network’s fourth benchmark study measures progress for women over the last 15 years and benchmarks diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry.

Executive Summary

The purpose of this study is to guide women, Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and other diverse groups of people striving to advance their careers in the industry, inform companies and managers about the values and priorities of their employees, and enhance the research and data for organizations that desire greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

This project, in partnership with the MIT Center for Real Estate, is made possible by Capital One Commercial Banking, CREW Network Industry Research Program Partner and leading underwriter of the 2020 study.

Read the Study