Established Strength. Future Focus.
Why Our Association Became the Commercial Real Estate Development Association
On July 1, 2026 our association officially begins a new era.
After nearly five decades as NAIOP, our organization is now the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (CREDA), San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
This decision was the result of extensive research, thoughtful discussion and, most importantly, input from the people who make this organization what it is: our members.
The transition to CREDA is more than a new name. It is about ensuring that our identity reflects the work our members are doing across property sectors: Retail, multifamily, data centers, life sciences, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, office, and so much more.
What CREDA Represents
Commercial real estate development today extends far beyond individual property types. It encompasses the developers, owners, investors and industry partners who plan, finance, design, build and operate the places that power economic growth and strengthen communities.
The new name reflects that broader reality.
It also reinforces the association's role as a leading advocate for commercial real estate at the federal, state, provincial and local levels. Clearer identification of our industry strengthens our voice with policymakers and helps communicate the importance of commercial real estate development to economic vitality and community growth.
CREDA also reflects our commitment to serving the next generation of industry leaders.
As commercial real estate continues to evolve, the association will remain focused on providing the education, research, connections and advocacy necessary to help members succeed in an increasingly complex environment.
CREDA Reflects an Expansive Vision
Commercial real estate development plays an increasingly important role in shaping how people live, work, shop, connect, innovate and thrive. New technologies, changing demographics, evolving workplace strategies, infrastructure investment, sustainability initiatives and emerging asset classes are transforming the places and spaces that support modern life.
Our members are at the center of that transformation.
They are creating industrial facilities that support global supply chains. They are developing housing solutions in growing markets. They are delivering healthcare facilities, life science campuses, hospitality destinations, retail centers and workplaces that strengthen communities and drive economic growth.
As we move forward, our focus remains on advancing every asset class, elevating industry leaders, connecting dealmakers and delivering research and insights that help shape strategic decisions.
“Our name has changed, but the mission has not.” says current Chapter President Jordan Angel of JLL. “The relationships, advocacy, education and industry leadership that members have relied upon for decades remain stronger than ever.”
This moment builds on a legacy shaped by thousands of members across North America and reflects our continued commitment to advancing commercial real estate development for years to come.
Same Mission, Clearer Name
The beginning conversation around a potential rebrand stemmed with a simple question: Does our name clearly communicate who we are and what our members do?
Over the last several years, association leaders undertook a strategic review that included member surveys, stakeholder interviews and focus groups representing chapters across North America. The findings were remarkably consistent.
Many members felt the NAIOP name no longer reflected the full scope of today’s commercial real estate development industry:
“Our industry has evolved far beyond its early perception of ‘industrial and office parks,’” said long-time chapter leader Gordon Hess, formerly of Ellis Partners. “Today, commercial real estate development spans retail, multifamily, data centers, life sciences, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, office, and so much more. The name CREDA better captures the diverse components and the innovation shaping today’s commercial real estate industry.”
The research also highlighted a recurring challenge: explaining the meaning of the NAIOP name itself. In legislative meetings, business discussions and conversations with prospective members, valuable time was often spent explaining the acronym rather than discussing the issues and opportunities facing commercial real estate.
“The new name addresses that challenge directly: Commercial Real Estate Development Association immediately identifies who we represent and the work our members do every day," said Past Chapter President Briana DeHaan of Northmarq. "When people hear our name, they understand the industry we represent and the value our members bring to communities."
A Legacy Worth Honoring
For decades, NAIOP has been one of the most influential voices in commercial real estate. The association was founded to support and advance developers and owners of commercial property, originally with a strong focus on office and industrial development.
Over time, it has grown into a powerful network of industry leaders, creating opportunities for education, advocacy, research and professional connections.
"We are incredibly proud of everything that was built as NAIOP," said Chapter President-Elect Josh Westerberg of Mesa West Capital. "The foundation created by decades of volunteer leadership and member engagement is what makes this next chapter possible."
The association's mission remains unchanged: advancing commercial real estate development through advocacy, education, research and relationships.
An Industry Leader
Commercial real estate has always been about more than buildings. It is about creating opportunity, driving economic growth and shaping the future of our communities.
As the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, we are better positioned to champion the industry, strengthen its voice and advance commercial real estate development across North America. We look forward to continuing that work alongside our members.
The future of our industry is being built today. We are proud to help lead the way.