One of NAIOP SoCal's top priorities this year is fighting the bad idea that will not die -- a Split Roll Initiative, Lowe Enterprises SVP Tom Wulf tells us. As the org's new president, we asked him about its plans for the year.

Tom says the chapter is focused on a number of legislative priorities this year, including working with the California Business Properties Association to educate and defeat an initiative to undo Prop 13 protections for businesses in California, aka Split Roll. In addition, the org is looking at transportation; goods movement and mobility issues; water and air quality issues; local issues such as green building ordinances; and national issues, like supporting tax extenders. Tom has completed 10 centuries (100 miles or more by bike in 12 hours or less) and tries to ride in a few each year.

Tom tells us SoCal's real estate industry has significant positive momentum in 2015, though challenges remain. “Aside from the extremely competitive nature of the investment markets, NAIOP SoCal members are faced with challenges like slow but steady job growth, increasing regulatory constraints and limited infrastructure funding,” he says. Tom currently co-manages Lowe’s public-private partnership activities, and oversees the firm’s assignment with the cities of Culver City and Compton. NAIOP SoCal also announced the members of its 2015 Executive Committee and 40-person Board of Directors recently.