Editor’s Note
Space and pace

You may have heard by now about the rush for life sciences space in the wake of last year’s COVID-19 outbreak, which could still continue even after the virus is under control. New Jersey, of course, should stand to benefit with a deep pool of intellectual talent that rose to the occasion in the nation’s fight against the pandemic. That’s the good news, but tapping into that demand remains somewhat complicated.

Government & Public Policy
Developers press their case, setting sights on bill to allow third-party code inspections

A bill that would allow building owners to obtain faster code inspections using third-party, private-sector agents has moved through the Legislature in recent weeks, raising the hopes of developers and other industry stakeholders who support the proposal.

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.

Events
NAIOP New Jersey installs new board, details legislative priorities

NAIOP New Jersey installed its new slate of board officers on Monday, as the association offered a glimpse at its legislative agenda in a pivotal election year for the state.

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.

Policy Page
A mid-pandemic snapshot of the CRE industry

While there has been some gradual improvement in commercial real estate deal activity from earlier this year, nearly half of those taking part in a recent NAIOP survey believe the pandemic will significantly affect their business operations for at least another 12 months.

Roundtable
Besides public health, what is a top policy or legislative concern for the commercial real estate industry?

We assembled a panel of industry experts to tackle this month’s question. Here’s what they had to say.

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.