Melissa Warren, CCIM
Senior Advisor / New Orleans Market Advisor
Stirling
Chapter President
NAIOP Gulf Coast
What are you most excited about in the coming year?
I’m thrilled about the establishment of the NAIOP Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Development Association, where I am honored to serve as president. This year, a group of industry leaders united with a shared mission: to advance the growth of the commercial real estate development industry across the Gulf Coast.
It has been truly inspiring to work alongside our board in launching impactful programming, hosting hard-hat tours of new developments, driving meaningful legislative advocacy, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. Together, we aim to strengthen the marketplace and create expanded business development opportunities throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama’s coastal regions.
The strong engagement we’ve received from economic development organizations, developers, and industry service providers underscores the clear need for this type of collaboration — and our board is excited to continue building momentum.
What is the biggest challenge facing your industry today?
Ever-rising insurance rates continue to be our biggest industry challenge. This, coupled with the high cost of borrowing, have become significant hurdles for investors. We must find a solution to make owning and operating real estate more affordable.
In Orleans Parish, additional challenges stem from complications within the permitting office, as well as planning and zoning processes, which continue to result in delay and add costs to sales and leasing transactions.
We need a plan that provides clear, efficient process and accountability
Stirling is a leading full-service commercial real estate firm with more than five decades of proven experience. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services — including commercial advisory, asset and property management, development and redevelopment, and investment sales — across a wide range of property types such as retail, office, industrial, healthcare, multifamily and hospitality. Stirling has nine full-service offices located throughout the Gulf South.
