The Washington State Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) is an organization dedicated to improving the climate for commercial real estate development, providing opportunities for professional development and creating a forum for networking and business improvement. Founded in 1976, the Washington State Chapter of NAIOP today has over 500 members representing most of the leading firms in commercial real estate development.

NAIOP holds monthly breakfast meetings featuring presentations on topics vital to the commercial real estate industry such as financing, leasing, government/regulatory policy, case studies in development and more. An annual day-long in-depth seminar on a current topic in commercial real estate is conducted in the spring.

The members of NAIOP annually participate in a "community enhancement" service project that helps show the community the industry's interest in being good citizens. The success of the 17-year-old program can be attributed to the unfailing commitment of the NAIOP Board, committee members, and the general membership to make financial contributions, construction material contributions, and lots of physical labor. With the number of volunteers reaching approximately 300 people from over 100 companies, Community Enhancement Day is a choreographed day of energy, laughing and contemplation of the non-profit's greater purpose. The volunteers understand that their efforts are really helping disabled children, under-privileged children, senior citizens and the Northwest's over-stressed environment. Some recent projects have included: Painting, fence building and shed building for horses helping disabled children at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center; painting and constructed of salmon observation platforms and fence building for community park and senior citizens at the Des Moines Park and Senior Center.

The organization has also developed a strong presence in local and state government activities. Over the past thirteen years, we have retained a lobbyist in Olympia and had excellent results in impacting proposed legislation. In 1995, for example, we were able to help secure passage of a bill that creates a process for development of industrial sites outside urban growth areas. Additionally, we were an important part of the team that shaped the regulatory reform process and developed legislation to integrate the Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the Shoreline Management Act (SMA). On the local level, a special committee meets monthly to look at city and county regulatory activities, providing input into the process.

On the national level, NAIOP's national government relations staff is working with Congress to assist in the passage of legislation to improve the climate within the industry. One example of the effectiveness of this effort is the recent passage of legislation to significantly change the depreciation rules on tenant improvements. A tremendous accomplishment! Additionally, work is being done on the endangered species act, wetlands legislation and other tax issues. Through NAIOP's national office, members have access to a wealth of information, educational opportunities, an annual convention, publications and more.