Advocacy

A Critical Moment in Our CRE Community

Legislative and regulatory threats to commercial real estate in Washington state are growing. CURB Act, transfer tax (real estate excise tax), and impact fees are significant challenges we face in upcoming legislative sessions. The long-term success of CRE depends on establishing a well of financial resources to support continuity in advocacy. In an environment of tax-focused politicians, the CRE community cannot afford to be unprepared for 2026.

We’ve built a dynamic team focused on elevating our members, strengthening our brand, and driving greater impact across municipalities – from Seattle City Hall to Olympia. With this expanded presence, we’re actively engaging new decision-makers, forging key relationships and ensuring your priorities are front and center where policies are shaped. Led by Director of Government Affairs Carter Nelson, this team represents a cross-section of expertise and leadership that will allow us to remain nimble and agile as threats and opportunities arise in 2026.

2026 Government Affairs Strategic Committee
	Danielle Duvall, Executive Director NAIOP Washington State		Carter Nelson, Director of Government Affairs NAIOP Washington State
	Danny Jackson, Co-Chair Pietromonaco Jackson Properties		Chris Rossman, Co-Chair Fourth Avenue Capital
	Nancy Bainbridge Rogers, Co-Chair Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S.		Patrick Foley, Co-Chair Lake Union Partners
	Jeremy Eckert, Legal SME Tharsis Law		Drew Zaborowski, Industrial SME Bear Creek Real Estate Partners
	Carl Shorett, Multifamily SME AvalonBay Communities		Tony Toppenberg, Office SME Hudson Pacific Properties
	Hart Cole, Tax Policy SME Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
2026 Government Affairs Lobbying Team
	Krystelle Purkey, State Lobbying Purkey GAC		Riley Benge, State Lobbying McBride & Benge
	Intisar Benge, State Lobbying McBride & Benge		Tom McBride, State Lobbying McBride & Benge
	Joe Woods, Local Lobbying Pacific Public Affairs		Tyler Pichette, Local Lobbying Pacific Public Affairs
	Heather Clarke, PAC Treasurer The Clarke Company

Donate to the 2026 Government Affairs Program

NAIOPWA fights tirelessly for laws, regulations, and policies that increase predictability, fairness and timeliness for the industry. Support from our Government Affairs contributors helps fund NAIOP's advocacy efforts, which save developers precious time and money.

To participate in our Government Affairs program, your company must be at a $5,000 or above contribution level. You may combine Issues Funding and PAC contributions to reach this threshold. Organizational sponsors ($7,500+) may participate with a $2,500 minimum towards advocacy efforts. 

*Contributions to the NAIOP Washington State PAC are encouraged and needed to protect our industry.

Benefits of Government Affairs Support

Your support will fund NAIOPWA's government affairs efforts, ensuring the CRE industry is well-represented before key policy makers. Supporters hear directly from political leaders, economic analysts and industry experts throughout the year. These exclusive meetings are designed to provide members with an opportunity to stay informed while networking with other industry leaders. Benefits of support include:

Legislative & Regulatory Updates from Our Lobbyists
Regular briefs that distill legislative and regulatory updates to specific CRE impact points with specific action items when appropriate. At the beginning of each year, participate in a unique, small-group-format event to:

• Receive updates on regulatory and legislative issues concerning a specific sector.
• Discuss critical issues and business challenges impacting development.
• Meet with local, legislative and congressional representatives regarding issues relevant to development and business interests.

Aggressive advocacy and representation on critical issues affecting the CRE industry and economic development in Washington state. This advocacy helps to protect the industry from potentially devastating legislative and regulatory requirements.

Economic and Research Reports
Access to research commissioned for specific, issue-based advocacy efforts.

Satisfaction
Knowledge that your support makes it possible for NAIOPWA to continue its advocacy on behalf of the industry.