On July 1, NAIOP announced a new name for the organization: the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, or CREDA. According to CREDA, the new moniker better communicates the broad scope of commercial real estate work members engage in, such as multifamily housing, retail destinations, logistics and fulfillment facilities, offices, mixed-use developments, data centers and more.
“Commercial real estate development is about far more than buildings — it is about creating the places and infrastructure that allow communities and economies to thrive,” says Cheryl Lombard, president and CEO of CREDA Arizona. “Our new name reflects the breadth of that responsibility and the evolving role our industry plays in Arizona’s future. CREDA Arizona better represents who we are today and strengthens our ability to bring together leaders across sectors to advance responsible, long-term growth.”
When CREDA formed nearly 60 years ago, the association consisted of a small group of owners and developers of industrial parks, which is why it was first called the National Association of Industrial Parks. By 1976, changes in membership prompted leaders to amend its name to the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks. That branding carried the organization through 2009, when it decided to drop the words behind the acronym, going simply by NAIOP.
“For nearly six decades, our association has been the trusted advocate and convening force for commercial real estate,” says Celeste Tanner, 2026 association chair and cofounder of Confluent Development, based in Denver. “While our name is changing, our mission remains the same: advancing commercial real estate development through advocacy, research, education and connections that help our members succeed and strengthen the commercial real estate industry. Our new name clarifies our role to policymakers, business leaders and the public.”
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CREDA represents more than 21,000 members in 55 chapters across North America, and champions policies that support responsible development, economic opportunity and thriving communities. The name change is the culmination of a multiyear, research-driven process that included extensive member engagement, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys and strategic planning.
“Commercial real estate development has never been more important to the future of our communities and economy,” says Marc Selvitelli, president and CEO of CREDA. “Our members are creating the housing, workplaces, logistics networks and digital infrastructure that people and businesses depend on every day. This new name more accurately reflects who our members are, what they do, and the value they bring to communities across North America.”
