CRE Market Trends for 2026 with Smith, Gambrell & Russell’s Rich Traub

Facilities management is changing fast, and 2026 is poised to become a year of big change. This episode breaks down the top takeaways from JLL’s 2025 Global State of Facilities Management Report that facility leaders need to know.

What are the commercial real estate market conditions like today—and what kind of outlook are we looking at for different sectors next year? Rich Traub, partner at Smith, Gambrell & Russell, joins the Buildings Podcast to offer reasons for optimism as we head into 2026.

This bonus episode of EC&M On Air, sponsored by Wesco, explores how the rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure is reshaping the data center market and pushing development beyond traditional core locations. Host Ellen Parson is joined by Wesco subject matter expert David Speidelsbach to examine the forces driving unprecedented demand, the strain being placed on established data center hubs, and why emerging and tertiary markets are becoming the next frontier for development. The conversation dives into the benefits and challenges of building data centers in these new regions, including cost advantages, access to land and renewable energy, tax incentives, and the realities of labor, water, and infrastructure constraints. David also shares guidance for electrical contractors navigating these complex projects, highlighting the importance of early collaboration, strong partnerships, and supply chain coordination. Throughout the discussion, listeners gain practical insight into how contractors and suppliers can successfully support large-scale, mission-critical data center builds in an evolving market.

The demand for green leases is growing fast—and not just because it’s good PR. Cities across the country are tightening energy codes and requiring emissions tracking. Here’s how to stay on top of these requirements as a property professional.

Behind the scenes in your facility, poor power quality may be quietly degrading your equipment, inflating your energy costs, and creating future headaches for you—and you may not see it coming until there’s a breakdown or safety risk. Denis Kouroussis, electrical engineer and power system innovator, joins the Buildings Podcast to explore how dirty power affects systems—and what you can do about it.

We know what happens when indoor air quality is poor—but how can we overcome this challenge in existing buildings? Check out these five ideas for better IAQ performance.

Facility management is facing major challenges—and opportunities—as 2025 winds down. IFMA President and CEO Michael V. Geary, who took the reins at IFMA earlier this year, joins us to discuss his first year at the organization, plus tips on carving out FM career paths and predictions for the industry.

Are your tenants and their employees prepared for emergencies? Integrated systems, clear communication, and strong leadership will ensure the answer is yes.

Anyone who’s been involved in a construction or major renovation project recently knows that timelines aren’t particularly stable—but new ways of working can help improve the process, as well as increase efficiency and collaboration. Douglas Lacy, senior vice president for WSP, joins the Buildings Podcast to walk us through the new construction models.

Reevaluating your parking strategy could be the strategic growth lever your property needs. It’s a valuable amenity that can increase your cash flow if you leverage it correctly.