CRE, Construction Well-represented During Crisis

By Rodric Hurdle-Bradford for Bisnow 
Gov. Doug Ducey issued a statewide stay-at-home order Monday to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, while naming essential businesses that can continue operations for now.  
CRE and construction are still on that essential services list, a status that remained intact after his executive order.  
“We worked closely with the governor’s office last week to submit a request that construction was included in the essential services list, and we were very happy with being a part of that list,” DeMenna Public Affairs partner Ryan DeMenna said.  
DeMenna represents the Arizona Subcontractors Association, which observed other states’ essential services lists. This led to a more proactive and simplified approach from the association when it came to lobbying Arizona officials.  
Critics, including many of Arizona’s mayors, believe Monday’s executive order doesn’t go far enough to penalize those who violate the order or restrict businesses where close contact is required. They also took aim at some of the businesses that have been deemed essential.  
How does Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego think the city’s commercial real estate industry can pitch in?  
“We would love to see our city’s commercial real estate industry use their resources to support the reopening of St. Luke’s Hospital and helping convert Veterans Memorial Coliseum into a step-down health resources facility. We are applauding those in commercial real estate who are looking at facilities that could expand healthcare or provide essential services for the homeless.”  
The Arizona Subcontractors Association and its CEO, Carol Floco, said they don’t want to see the industry grind to a halt like it did during the Great Recession. With elected officials like Arizona Senate President Karen Fann, who has personal experience in the construction industry, they said the industry is well-represented.  
Read more at Bisnow.