(September 12, 2025) — NAIOP, one of the country’s largest commercial real estate trade associations, announced it will change its name to the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (CREDA) beginning in June 2026.
NAIOP New Mexico President Adam Silverman previewed the news at the chapter’s July luncheon at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown. He told members the rebrand is part of a national initiative that will apply across all 55 chapters.
“We are giving you an advanced preview,” Silverman said. “We want to make sure everybody is getting the message that we are changing our official name to the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.” He added that members should expect an email from the national office with more details on the transition, including updated branding and materials.
From Acronym to Identity
NAIOP began in 1957 as the National Association of Industrial Parks, later expanding to include office developers. In 2009, the association formally dropped the words behind its acronym, but the initials remained. Today, with more than 21,000 members representing developers, investors, financiers, architects, engineers, and service providers, leaders say the name no longer fully reflects the breadth of the organization.
Tim Jemal, CEO of NAIOP SoCal, said in a letter to members that the new name is designed to be clearer and more memorable, particularly in the arenas of legislative advocacy and political engagement. “This is a moment of inflection, and there is no choice but to embrace it,” Jemal wrote. “The broader identity reflects the diverse ecosystem of today’s commercial real estate sector, far beyond industrial and office parks.”
Following Industry Trends
NAIOP’s rebrand mirrors moves by other commercial real estate associations to broaden their appeal. ICSC, formerly the International Council of Shopping Centers, redefined itself in 2021 as representing the wider “marketplaces industry.” BOMA, once the Building Owners and Managers Association, now describes itself as serving owners, managers, and service providers across all commercial property types. Meanwhile, ULI (Urban Land Institute) and SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors) have rolled out programs to attract younger talent and professionals from adjacent industries.
These shifts come as the commercial real estate market continues to evolve, with growing emphasis on mixed-use development, adaptive reuse, and emerging asset classes such as data centers and life sciences.
What Members Can Expect
The rebrand will be accompanied by updated logos, digital platforms, and official materials in 2026. Leaders emphasized that while the name will change, the association’s core mission remains the same: to provide advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for commercial real estate professionals nationwide.
“The mission isn’t changing,” Jemal said. “What’s changing is how we communicate who we are — to policymakers, to the public, and to the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of commercial real estate.”