As February drew to a close, NAIOP members from Utah and Minnesota traveled to their respective state capitols to meet with lawmakers and advance the legislative interests of commercial real estate. The meetings with lawmakers provided important opportunities for NAIOP and the industry to build relationships and educate lawmakers on the important role of commercial real estate development in providing economic opportunities, creating jobs and strengthening the quality of life within communities. These relationships ensure that the interests of CRE are taken into consideration during policy debates.
Following breakfast under the capitol dome, NAIOP Utah members met with several lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Schultz, speaker of the state House of Representatives. Schultz highlighted the strength of state policies in attracting and retaining private business, along with infrastructure investments that support economic growth and the movement of goods and services between communities. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Utah as the overall No. 1 state for the fourth consecutive year. Their No. 1 ranking is based on the economy, education, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, health care, and infrastructure. Schultz concluded by expressing concern over outside political pressure and court decisions that limit the legislature’s authority to govern under the state constitution. He made reference to the legislature authority to draw political boundaries.
Utah members also heard from state Senator Calvin Musselman, a real estate sales professional, who is sponsoring SB 245, Impact Fee Amendments. Impact fees, also known as linkage fees or proffers, depending on the state, are one-time fees paid by developers to help cover the costs of infrastructure and other public services associated with development projects. Members voiced support for the legislation that would require local governments to apply the fee within the service area that is impacted by the new development, not geographically unconnected areas of the municipality.
In Minnesota, over 60 CRE industry representatives, including NAIOP members, participated in the 2026 Day at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Numerous lawmakers from both parties provided their perspectives on the legislative outlook and challenges heading into the fall election. Following their remarks, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and educate policymakers on the industry’s priorities for this year. NAIOP Minnesota’s 2026 priorities include taxes, energy and sustainability; vibrancy (i.e., removal of regulatory barriers to commerce); and workforce development.
The current challenges in Minnesota’s legislative process also involve the political structure of the two chambers and the declining influence of a governor not seeking reelection. The state House of Representatives is currently tied – 67 Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) to 67 Republicans – following several special elections and the assassination of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. Committees are presently co-chaired by a member from each party, who alternate presiding over hearings.
On the other side of the capitol, DFL holds a narrow one seat advantage over Republicans at 34 to 33. Several special elections occurred last year because of resignations, criminal convictions, and the unexpected passing of Senator Bruce Anderson. With no clear advantage, the political rhetoric from both parties in St. Paul is focused on government fraud, waste and inefficiencies.
Lane Thor with Ryan Tax Firm also testified on behalf of CRE in support of HF 2959 during a House Judiciary meeting that same morning. This important NAIOP-supported legislation is intended to protect the privacy of data and lease agreements from public release if property tax assessments are appealed and go to court. The NAIOP chapter and coalition intend to continue their advocacy in support of the bill through individual meetings and other legislative opportunities until the legislature’s adjournment sine die on May 18.
These legislative advocacy days within state capitols play a critical role for lawmakers to directly hear from constituents on the priorities of NAIOP and the CRE industry within their respective states. These educational meetings continue to provide a platform for members to build relationships and engage policymakers that may influence policy outcomes. NAIOP chapters across the country will be holding their own “Days at the Capitol” throughout the remainder of 2026.
