As it celebrates 50 years, NAIOP Colorado has officially become the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (CREDA) Colorado, a new name that better reflects today’s commercial real estate industry while reaffirming the organizationʼs longstanding commitment to advocacy, education, and industry leadership.
Founded in 1976, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (CREDA) Colorado has grown into one of the global association’s largest and most active chapters, representing more than 600 members throughout Colorado who develop, own, invest in, finance, design, build, and manage the commercial real estate projects that support Coloradoʼs economy.
For five decades, the organization has advanced public policy, cultivated industry leaders, and fostered the business relationships that strengthen Coloradoʼs commercial real estate industry.
Members help address many of Coloradoʼs most significant economic and community challenges by creating the places and infrastructure that support business investment, expand housing opportunities, encourage responsible development practices, and strengthen local communities. Their work spans industrial, office, retail, multifamily, healthcare, hospitality, and mixed-use developments, along with emerging projects and technologies that are shaping the places where Coloradans live, work, shop, receive care, and connect.
The change aligns Colorado with the global Commercial Real Estate Development Association, formerly NAIOP, which recently adopted its new name following extensive research to better communicate the organization’s purpose and impact. CREDA Global represents more than 21,000 members across 55 chapters throughout North America.
“Today’s commercial real estate industry spans far beyond industrial and office properties,ˮ said Brian Dietz, 2026 president of CREDA Colorado. “Our new name better reflects the diversity of our industry while strengthening our ability to advocate for policies that support housing, infrastructure, business investment, and economic growth. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, weʼll continue helping policymakers understand the vital role commercial real estate plays in Coloradoʼs future.”
While advocacy remains central to its mission, CREDA Colorado also develops future industry leaders and creates opportunities for collaboration through nationally recognized programs including the Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge and Fight Night.
“After 27 years leading this organization, I’ve watched both our members and our industry evolve,ˮ said Executive Director Kathie Barstnar. “Our new name captures who we are today while reaffirming the mission weʼve had from the beginning: advocating for responsible commercial real estate development, educating industry professionals, and building stronger communities.”
