The Weekly Take from CBRE

Recorded at the CBRE Women’s Network Power of WE conference, this episode offers a rapid-fire, insights-rich tour of major U.S. commercial real estate markets. Our subject-matter experts provide inside views of how different regions are navigating supply, demand and economic forces—from industrial and logistics to multifamily, office and retail—and insights on where investors and occupiers may find value in 2026.

National CRE outlook, including signs of asset repricing stabilization, improving liquidity and transactions momentum.
Industrial dynamics in Southern California, from manufacturing fundamentals and port-driven demand to pockets of strength and ongoing vacancy challenges.
Sector trends, including data centers, alternative assets, big‑box scarcity, rent trends, and how corporate occupiers are re‑entering the market.
Multifamily performance across gateways, the Sun Belt and the Midwest, driven by slowing construction cycles, demographic patterns and evolving investor interest.
Emerging and opportunity markets, from South Carolina’s growth to resurgent metros like San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix and smaller high-growth cities such as Boise.

PwC’s Karl Russo and CBRE’s Henry Chin share their outlook for the U.S. economy and commercial real estate in 2026, exploring opportunities and risks to growth.
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. economy should remain resilient in 2026.
While the labor market finds a new equilibrium, many companies are racing to upskill and retain talent as they adopt AI processes.
Reshoring and infrastructure improvements are expected to drive industrial growth in secondary markets.
Data centers are positioned as a leading sector amid structural undersupply.

Alex Mehran Jr., CEO of a third-generation family developer, walks us through the transformation of Bishop Ranch—a master-planned community in San Ramon, CA. Mehran shares valuable lessons on reinventing a suburban office park into a vibrant, mixed-use destination.

Mixed-use suburban developments are gaining strong appeal.
· Amenity-rich office space drives tenant demand and retention.
· Short-term, flexible leases can dovetail well with corporate occupier’s needs.
· Residential conversions of obsolete suburban office parks can enhance long-term asset value.
· Planned communities thrive with diverse housing and retail integration.

Alison Fragale, author of the provactively titled “Likeable Bad Ass," breaks down the science of status—offering practical advice on how leaders can use warmth and competence to drive respect and gain greater influence.
Key Takeaways:
1. Status—being respected and regarded—leads to influence, access to resources, and career advancement.
2. People judge quickly, and have high regard for those who are well-intentioned and competent.
3. Hard work needs to be seen to ensure effort is valued.
4. You can leverage “swing thoughts” to improve your career. [SI1]

[SI1]Do not really understand this. Remind me what “swing thoughts” are

Wharton organizational psychologist and New York Times-bestselling author Adam Grant shares insights on making better business decisions, fostering innovation and how your personal "challenge network” can lead to superior products and delight your customers.

1. Encourage[SI1] Humor and Humility: They help maintain a flexible and open-minded approach, making it easier to rethink and adapt.
2. Have Pre-Mortems: Discuss as many potential failures as possible before launching. That way you can prevent or know how to handle problems when they occur.
3. Eschew Best Practices for Better Practices: “Best Practices” implies there’s only one right way, while seeking “Better Practices” encourages people to innovate and try new things.
4. Build a Challenge Network: Maintain a group of trusted critics who provide truly honest feedback to improve your decision-making.
5. Reward Speaking Truth to Power: Encourage employees to ask questions, suggest improvements and challenge outdated ideas.

[SI1]Please run these by Adam