Policy Page

Our updates and analysis will keep you informed of every piece of legislation and public policy issue that affects commercial real estate in New Jersey, from a zoning dispute or a proposed change to the tax code.

Policy Page
CRE sentiment rises, but weighed down by construction cost challenges

Improving economic conditions have led to an improvement in the NAIOP CRE Sentiment Index, indicating both overall optimism and several ongoing concerns. However, respondents are now more pessimistic about construction costs than in any prior survey, and most expect construction labor costs to increase.

Policy Page
The future of office work has arrived

The economic rebound is fueling job growth in office-using sectors, which comes as the state lifts requirements that employers accommodate telework arrangements. Now that the future has arrived, I am sure that all employers would agree that employees are the most critical resource for success. Striking the right balance for the new workplace will likely be case-sensitive, and will no doubt take some time and a great deal of patience.

Policy Page
Geopolitics and demographics impact commercial real estate in our region

Our state is making headlines these days in a number of good ways. One contributing factor is certainly geopolitics, the study of how place matters. While this term is more often used to describe countries and explain the origin and source of their wealth, culture and military strategy, we can also see how this applies at the state level.

Top News
Got a feeling ’21 is (going to) be a good year

As we seem to be nearing the final stages of the global pandemic with more people getting vaccinated, federal stimulus monies pouring into our state and a new federal administration that is much more friendly to New Jersey, many of us are feeling that 2021 is going to be a good year.

Policy Page
Regional mindset, new recipe needed to keep our talent and project pipeline flowing

It’s high time that New Jersey’s local officials start doing things differently and placing a higher priority on talent attraction, collaborative regional (not parochial) planning and being on the same page. Economic development experts from outside the state seemed to concur at NAIOP New Jersey’s recent Annual Meeting and Commercial Real Estate Outlook.

Policy Page
Survival skills honed in 2020 lead to a better-prepared 2021

As Charlie Chaplin said in the last century, “Nothing is forever in this world, not even our problems.” That is, unless you don’t learn from your mistakes and continue to do things the same way. The days are numbered for any business, organization or government agency (without a rainy day fund) that doesn’t adjust, right-size their operation and get prepared for the next disruption that’s just around the corner.

Policy Page
Giving is for all of us – government, too

Never has there been a more appropriate time to be charitable and share what you have with those in need. As our businesses continue to suffer the effects of the pandemic, more and more workers will be impacted.

Policy Page
Jersey’s comeback must be sustainable, reflective of migrations and crises

In a year of headlines dominated by the pandemic, financial crisis, racial justice movement and climate change-induced natural disasters, a new report can help local, policymakers understand the challenges we must face and the emerging opportunities we cannot afford to squander.

Professional Services
McManimon Scotland adds to redevelopment law practice group

McManimon, Scotland & Baumann LLC has made an addition to its commercial real estate team, one of five new hires for the Roseland-based law firm.

Policy Page
Taking the temperature of New Jersey’s economy and commercial real estate sector

We are now more than six months into the pandemic that shut down much of New Jersey’s economy in early March. I thought it would be a good time to pause to look at where we are in terms of recovering from the staggering unemployment and economic losses caused by the health crisis. There is some surprisingly good news, but it must be taken with a strong dose of caution.