COSTA MESA, CA—One of the greatest values of the NAIOP SoCal chapter is its proactive commitment to advocating for the commercial real estate industry, 2016 president Kevin Jennings tells GlobeSt.com. After NAIOP SoCal's recent announcementof its board of directors, we spoke exclusively with Jennings, who is also market executive, Southern California, at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, about the year ahead and the issues on which the chapter is focused.

GlobeSt.com: What do you hope to accomplish with NAIOP SoCal in 2016?

Jennings: Our chapter is committed to strong legislative advocacy, presenting quality educational opportunities and providing sponsors and members the best networking opportunities. These have been our core tenets and remain so as we move into 2016.

This year we will further distinguish NAIOP as the preeminent leadership organization in Southern California for protecting the interests of the real estate industry. We'll also provide more insight into the impactful leadership of our members and sponsors who are working above and beyond to enhance the future of the industry and the region. 

GlobeSt.com: What are the biggest issues the development industry faces this year?

Jennings: The industry is watching the trend in interest rates and capital availability; beyond that, it's important that we ensure our industry's ability to continue its development and acquisition activities in the face of continued regulatory challenges. These range from dealing with our region's drought to the growth of our ports and transportation infrastructure, just to name a few.

GlobeSt.com: How can these issues be addressed?

Jennings: One of the greatest values of our chapter is its proactive commitment to advocating for the industry. We will be working with the California Business Properties Association at the state level on areas such as CEQA and regulatory reform, keeping the industry informed on continued split-roll initiatives, as well as enlisting their efforts to help defeat these challenges to Prop 13. We will also ensure our place at the table, working hand in hand with organizations such as SCAG, OCTA and LA Metro, to name a few, as decisions are made relative to mobility in the region and restrictions that are being considered that may impact development. Similarly, we are monitoring decisions as they relate to drought measures and green-building ordinances. In all cases, NAIOP seeks to ensure that we are not blocking public policy, but helping to shape it so that it balances the best interest of the public and business, further encouraging job creation and investment in our communities and state.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about NAIOP SoCal's activities and accomplishments?

Jennings: This past year included a number of milestones that underscore the ongoing strength of this chapter and its ability to serve the needs of an ever-evolving industry. In 2015, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Night at the Fights—which welcomed close to 1,000 industry professionals to a night of entertainment and networking. We also marked the 10th anniversary of the Young Professionals Group, one of the nation's preeminent development programs for young industry executives.

NAIOP also proved its value in shaping public policy, working with agency boards, and partnering with other organizations and chapters to accomplish mutual objectives. For example, in 2015 NAIOP fought hard for victories at the state level and at the local and regional levels of government, and there were clear successes arising directly from the efforts of our Legislative Affairs Committee. Another example is our continued work with SCAQMD. We are being far more aggressive in getting the message out to the public and elected officials that we all want clean air, but it has to be done in a balanced approach, as imprudent regulations may have detrimental impacts to the health of our community and the economic strength of the region.

I encourage individuals and companies to take a close look at NAIOP SoCal and get involved in what this chapter is doing, from business networking to education to helping to foster the next generation of leaders.