Member Perspectives: Celeste Tanner

Celeste Tanner didn’t set out to build a career in commercial real estate. An English major who “fell into” an administrative role, she discovered what would become a through-line of her leadership: development is a team sport, and every project tells a story. Today, as she takes on the role of National Chair for NAIOP, Tanner is focused on reframing public perception, advancing policy in new spaces for commercial real estate, and empowering teams to grow and lead.

Tanner’s introduction to the industry was anything but traditional. “I had zero background or interest in commercial real estate,” she laughed. “I started as an administrative assistant at a real estate shop. What really kept me was the team. It’s not a single-person industry. What I love is bringing different personalities together, getting everyone on the same page, and moving forward together.” That emphasis on collaboration became a foundation of her career and ultimately of Confluent Development.

Public Policy Update: Key Issues NAIOP Colorado Is Tracking

By: 2025-2026 Public Policy Chairs 

As the 2026 legislative and rulemaking landscape begins to take shape, NAIOP Colorado’s Public Policy team is actively engaged on a wide range of proposals that could significantly impact commercial real estate, construction, and business operations across the state. Here’s a snapshot of what we’re watching — and why it matters.

1. Colorado Energy Office: “Net Zero by 2050” Legislation: The Colorado Energy Office is advancing new legislation aimed at reaching statewide carbon neutrality by 2050. They recently backed down from the original goal of 2040. While the 2050 goal remains ambitious, the policy details will have major implications for commercial buildings, capital planning, and compliance costs. NAIOP is working closely with industry partners to ensure mandates are achievable and aligned with real-world building operations.
2. Rodenticide Restrictions: A proposed statewide restriction on rodenticides aims to protect wildlife, but it introduces significant concerns about building safety, public health, and ongoing property management. NAIOP is monitoring the bill to ensure legislators understand the operational realities of maintaining safe commercial spaces.
3. “Extreme Temperatures” Construction Limits: A policy concept would restrict construction activities during extreme heat or cold. While worker safety is essential, NAIOP is raising concerns about the feasibility of weather-based shutdowns in Colorado’s unpredictable climate — and the ripple effects on project delivery timelines, costs, and commercial supply.
4. County Authority to Impose Excise Taxes: Several counties are exploring expanded authority to levy excise taxes. NAIOP is engaging early to ensure any such proposals are transparent, justified, and do not create unpredictable or duplicative cost burdens on development or business activity.
5. Retainage Reform: Option to Use a Retainage Bond: A new proposal would allow contractors to post a retainage bond instead of the traditional retainage withholding. NAIOP continues to evaluate how this change may influence project financing, risk management, and administrative complexity.
6. Ballot Initiative #91: Retail Theft & Vehicle Theft Penalties: Ballot Initiative #91 seeks to strengthen penalties for retail and vehicle theft — issues that continue to impact commercial centers throughout Colorado. NAIOP is watching this initiative closely as it moves toward the 2026 ballot, seeing strong potential for meaningful public-safety improvements.
7. CDOT I-270 Widening Project: Public Comment Open: CDOT has released updated plans for the I-270 widening project, a key freight and commuter corridor that directly affects commercial access and development. Planned improvements include additional lanes, interchange redesigns, and traffic flow enhancements. Members are encouraged to review the proposal and submit public comment: Submit your comments HERE 
8. Legal Update: NAIOP Colorado’s Lawsuit with, CAA, AAMD & CHLA: NAIOP Colorado, the Apartment Association of Metro Denver, the Colorado Apartment Association, and the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association continue to pursue litigation challenging state regulatory overreach affecting commercial and multifamily properties. The case is currently before the court, with motions to dismiss under review by the judge.

A Year End Message from NAIOP President Brandon Kramer 

Dear NAIOP Colorado Members, Partners, and Friends,

As we close out the last official year of the NAIOP Colorado Chapter, and prepare to welcome in the dawn of the CREDA Colorado Chapter era, I look back at a transformational year for our commercial real estate community. This year brought both challenges and opportunities for our industry, and NAIOP Colorado rose to meet each one. Together, we delivered high-impact programming, expanded educational offerings, and provided essential advocacy on issues shaping development, land use, and economic growth. Our marquee events—ranging from Market Forecasts to Developing Leaders programs to our most successful Fight Night ever, we saw record participation and engagement. These accomplishments are only possible because of the dedication and support of members like you. Your participation, whether through volunteering, attending events, sponsoring programs, or contributing industry expertise has strengthened our chapter and elevated the voice of CRE professionals across the state.

EVERYBODY WAS READY FOR THE RUMBLE!

Fight Night 2025 Recap

Submitted by: Bill Ranshaw, Snyder Building Construction 

What a night it was on Thursday, November 13, at ReelWorks in Denver's vibrant RiNo district. NAIOP Colorado's signature event, Fight Night, lit up the venue with a perfect mix of late '90s neon vibes, top-tier networking, and adrenaline-charged boxing. Picture flip phones, frosted tips, and chart-topping throwbacks – an atmosphere that energized everyone from seasoned deal-makers to first-time attendees. The evening was proudly sponsored by CoStar Group, LoopNet, and Ten-X.

Years in the Commercial Real Estate Industry (CRE): 1

What motivated you to get involved in the CRE Industry? I’m here for the opportunity to fix a broken experience. I love building systems, growing teams

Meet Jackson Flanagin

Associate, Stream Realty Partners
LinkedIn Profile | Company Website

2025 NAIOP Pickleball Classic Recap: Big Wins, and Tournament Highlights

August 28 | MileHi Pickleball, Denver

NAIOP Colorado’s first-ever Pickleball Classic was a resounding success, bringing together dozens of commercial real estate professionals for an afternoon of spirited play and vibrant networking. From exciting bracket matchups to lively sideline conversations, the energy on and off the courts reflected the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define our community. 

 Meet Will Klos
 Analyst, Quannah Partners

 LinkedIn Profile | Company Website

Building the Future in RiNo: 3850 Blake Brings Style, Access and Community 

Submitted by Hayleigh DeLoach, Vari

In 2024, a previous client recommended Weitz to Formativ—a Denver-based real estate investment and development firm with more than 80 years of experience in commercial real estate. The introduction opened the door to discussions about partnering on Formativ’s newest multifamily project in Denver’s highly sought-after RiNo neighborhood.

Energize Denver Ordinance 2.0 and Colorado Building Decarbonization Program Updates

ABOUT: In 2021, Denver adopted the “Energize Denver” ordinance requiring large commercial and multifamily buildings to meet strict energy performance targets to help the City and County of Denver meet emissions reduction goals. Shortly after, the State of Colorado passed HB21-1286, establishing statewide Building Performance Standards. Together, these two programs created overlapping, and at times, conflicting, compliance requirements for building owners, prompting the need for further clarification.

NAIOP has been actively engaged in these policy conversations to ensure our members who are directly impacted by these mandates, can meet requirements without facing unreasonable burdens.

Meet Bill Ranshaw

Sr. Director of Community Relations, Snyder Building Construction 
LinkedIn Profile | Company Website

2025 NAIOP Golf Classic Recap: New Course, Big Wins, and Tournament Highlights

June 17 | West Woods Golf Club, Arvada

NAIOP Colorado’s annual Golf Classic was held on June 17 at West Woods Golf Club in Arvada—marking the first time the tournament took place at this scenic, 27-hole course. The new location offered a fresh layout, ideal weather, and a strong setting for both networking and competition. The tournament sold out once again, drawing commercial real estate professionals from across the region for a full day on the greens.

Submitted by Hayleigh DeLoach, Published June 2025

It started in a high school accounting class in Birmingham, Alabama, where students played Monopoly every day and tracked their game like real accountants. “We had to pass ‘Go’ and literally debit cash and credit income,” she laughed. “That’s when I knew I loved business and numbers.” That experience sparked her decision to pursue an accounting degree at Jacksonville State University.

After college, Mara landed a role at Barber Dairies, a regional milk and dairy distributor as well as one of Alabama’s largest real estate owners. There, she worked as the mall accountant for Century Plaza, a million square foot mall.

University of Denver Wins 2025 Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge with Visionary “Thornton Gateway” Redevelopment

Submitted by Stacy Stout, BRANDiac Strategies

DENVER, COLO. – The University of Denver has claimed the coveted Tracey Wilkes NAIOP Cup at the 2025 Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge (RMREC), hosted by NAIOP Colorado and presented by Land Title Guarantee Company. Blue Jay Development, the winning team from the University of Denver, impressed judges and a full house of real estate professionals with their comprehensive redevelopment proposal for the Thornton Shopping Center site — a transformative project at the heart of South Thornton. 

Populous Leads Vision for $1 Billion Cascadia Falls Entertainment District in Greeley

Submitted by Matthew Breest, Populous

The team at Populous are helping shape one of Northern Colorado’s most ambitious mixed-use developments. For the past 24 months, Populous has been leading the master planning and design of Cascadia Falls, a $1 billion entertainment district backed by The Water Valley Company and the City of Greeley.

Denver NWSL Breaks Records and Reveals Plans for First-Ever Women’s Pro Soccer Stadium in Colorado

Submitted by Matthew Breest, Populous

Populous shared recent media coverage highlighting exciting progress in professional women’s sports infrastructure. Populous is leading the stadium design for Denver’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, which has already made headlines with record-breaking community support and bold development plans.

From Deadline to Delivery: Weitz Delivers Award-Winning Skyline at Highlands

Submitted by Kathy Jo Fyten, The Weitz Company

In May 2021, Grand Peaks approached Weitz to evaluate pricing for a development they planned to acquire. As both companies engaged in preconstruction efforts, it quickly became evident that Weitz would be the builder should the project move forward. A critical milestone had to be met to align with the City of Denver’s permitting deadlines: construction needed to begin, with foundations poured, by October 31, 2021. Achieving this in under five months for a project of this scale was a remarkable preconstruction feat.

Brinkmann Delivers Multifamily and Affordable Housing Projects Across Colorado

Submitted by Megan Hill, Brinkmann Constructors

Tempo at Nine Mile Station

25 Years Strong: i2 Construction Marks a Milestone

Submitted by Hayleigh DeLoach, Published March 2025