Government Affairs

Through its aggressive advocacy on behalf of the real estate industry, NAIOP Massachusetts represents the interests of companies involved with the development, ownership, management and financing of commercial, industrial, retail, institutional, and mixed-use properties.

For more information, contact Tamara Small at 781-453-6900 x5

Government Affairs Team

Working closely with the Chapter's Director of Government Affairs Tamara Small, the Chapter's CEO David Begelfer, and 2013 Government Affairs Chairs Marilyn Newman of Mintz Levin and Sarah Barnat of National Development, members of NAIOP's three government affairs committees actively work to shape the laws and policies affecting the commercial real estate industry in Massachusetts.

Committee members draft legislation, provide input on economic, environmental and land use regulations, and meet with key decision makers at all levels of state government to advance the industry's agenda.

Opportunities exist for professionals at all levels on one or more of the Chapter's three Government Affairs Committees:

• Environmental Committee. Co-Chaired by Seth Jaffe, Foley Hoag LLP and Paula M. Devereaux, Rubin and Rudman LLP. Members of this committee frequently provide comments on environmental regulations or legislation affecting commercial real estate including water issues, endangered species, and wetlands.  They are often invited to represent NAIOP on issue specific working groups convened by DEP.  Meetings are held on a monthly basis. 
• Energy & Infrastructure Committee. Co-chaired by Gregory Sampson, Robinson & Cole LLP and Rebecca A. Lee, Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP. This committee focuses on a wide range of issues including transportation, infrastructure financing, tax issues, and energy.  Meetings are held every other month. 
• Hazardous Waste (21E) Committee. Co-chaired by Ned Abelson, Goulston & Storrs and Larry Feldman, Ph. D., LSP, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. This committee works on issues affecting the redevelopment of brownfield sites in Massachusetts.  Committee members have shaped asbestos in soil regulations and revisions to the MCP. They frequently participate on task forces created by DEP.  Meetings are held on a monthly basis.