REAL ESTATE NEWS

At the ICSC@Western conference in Palm Springs, industry leaders and government relations experts delivered a clear message: advocacy matters. And not only in boardrooms or at the ballot box, but also within neighborhoods, communities, and the daily interactions that shape commercial real estate.

That theme anchored “The Power of Policy” panel, moderated by Jim Hill, vice president of state and local government relations at ICSC. The session brought together Chester Baldwin, attorney at Lobby Washington, LLC and executive director of the Washington Business Properties Association; Matthew G. Hargrove, president and CEO of the California Business Properties Association; Sam LeFeber, ICSC government relations chair for the Southern California marketplace and broker at Commercial Realty Advisors NW LLC; and Marco A. López, Jr., president and CEO of Intermestic Partners.

The discussion focused on how commercial real estate professionals can effectively engage in the policy process by building relationships with lawmakers and positioning themselves as trusted resources. According to LeFeber, elected officials rarely bring specialized knowledge of real estate or retail, which is why industry input is vital. “You have knowledge they need,” he told attendees. “And most of the time, they are thankful when you take time to share that knowledge.” He encouraged members to invite policymakers to job sites, noting that “politicians love putting on hard hats and safety vests,” a simple gesture that can connect abstract policy debates to real-world development.

Hargrove underscored the importance of staying engaged at the local level. “Let your local ICSC chair know you’re available. Attend public meetings because that presence matters,” he said, emphasizing how consistent involvement helps shape regulations that directly affect the industry. Baldwin added that timing is critical, reminding attendees that the strongest relationships are built before legislative sessions begin. “Get to know them in the community,” he said. “The truth is, there aren’t that many people like you engaging in the process… That makes your voice powerful. Help them understand how they can help.”

Panelists reinforced that advocacy can take many forms—from hosting a site tour to speaking up at a city council meeting to simply making a phone call—but each is an essential act of engagement that influences how communities grow. The session closed with a direct reminder for attendees: “You, the audience, are the experts,” and with that expertise, the power to shape public policy lies firmly in their hands.

Keep checking back with GlobeSt.com for more updates from ICSC@Western in Palm Springs.

First Impressions From My Attendance at ICSC@western

Delays in Retail Leasing Linked to Communication Gaps

Retail Real Estate Emerges as Preferred Investment Amid Capital Surge

Source: GlobeSt/ALM