Other Southern cities garnered great attention, comprising almost half the list due to quality of life and good value.

These were industry challenges, staffing and prioritizing employee well-being in the workplace.

The result was new and potentially better ways of running restaurants.

"I've never seen so many borrowers handing over the keys," another panelist said.

Renters now prioritize affordability with studios outperforming two-bedroom units.

It could also help thaw the industrial private transactions market, Green Street says.

And their options increase as more inventory becomes available in the pipeline from a year ago.

Marissa Limsiaco previews remarks at this year's GlobeSt ELITE Women of Influence conference in July.