NAIOP Podcast: Inside CRE

Special Episode: Opportunity Zones 2.0

In this episode, Angel Rice and Dave Sobochan of Cohen & Co. join us to discuss the evolution of the Opportunity Zone program and the transition to Opportunity Zones 2.0. They break down how the program works, the tax incentives driving investment, the uncertainty surrounding new census tract designations, and how investors and developers are planning for 2027 and beyond. The conversation also explores IRS guidance, emerging deal structures, state-level strategies, and why Opportunity Zones are expected to play an even bigger role in commercial real estate over the next decade. Recorded on May 14, 2026.

Chad Lavender, Newmark

In this episode, Chad Lavender, president of capital markets for North America at Newmark, breaks down today’s commercial real estate landscape, calling it a constructive market driven by strong debt liquidity and smarter capital. He explores recovery signals across asset classes – from tightening industrial supply to surging interest in retail, senior housing and data centers – while highlighting pricing trends and investor behavior. Lavender also unpacks challenges for developers, the rise of private credit, and the growing impact of AI on real estate demand, offering a grounded, forward-looking view on where opportunities lie. Recorded on April 13, 2026.

Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist Leonard Brody

In this episode, Marc sits down with I.CON West keynote speaker, techno-economist and venture capitalist Leonard Brody to unpack the supercycle shaping today’s global economy. Drawing on 300 years of history, Brody explains how major shifts – often driven by technology – trigger waves of uncertainty, disruption and ultimately growth. He argues that AI is the defining force of this cycle, accelerating change faster than ever while reshaping work, society and geopolitics. Despite near-term volatility, Brody emphasizes that history points to long-term economic expansion. He also shares why critical thinking and pattern recognition are essential skills in a “post-truth” era – and how leaders can navigate disruption without falling behind. Recorded on April 2, 2026.

Jordan Lott, Lake Washington Partners

In this episode, Jordan Lott, president and CEO of family-owned Lake Washington Partners, shares how his firm blends industrial roots with diversified investments across multifamily and mixed-use, with a growing presence and perspective that extends nationally. He discusses the company’s long-term, family-driven strategy, disciplined approach in today’s high-rate environment, and outlook on the industrial and multifamily sectors. Lott also offers insights on navigating entitlement challenges, pairing data with experience in decision-making, and why patience and long-term thinking are key to succeeding in the next real estate cycle. Recorded on March 18, 2026.

Gina Baker Chambers, MCB Real Estate

Gina Baker Chambers, president of MCB Real Estate, joins us for this episode, discussing her transition from institutional investor to operator and MCB’s rapid growth to over $4 billion in assets, 22 million square feet across all sectors and holdings in 40 states. The firm has been in the headlines recently for its role in Baltimore’s resurgence, advancing major projects including the $1 billion redevelopment of Harborplace on the city’s Inner Harbor waterfront. Chambers emphasizes how trust, transparency and creative capital structuring are key to delivering complex projects like Harborplace, and shares MCB’s strategy of aligning investor returns with long-term community impact. Recorded on March 18, 2026.