Name: Myles Bendavid
Title: Financial Analyst
Company: Mark IV Capital

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?  Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, golfing, weightlifting, playing basketball, skiing, playing tennis, and cooking.

What is your ultimate career goal?  My ultimate career goal is to successfully complete multiple development projects and build a personal portfolio of five or more commercial properties. This portfolio would provide long-term financial freedom and allow me to partially retire – though I never intend to fully retire, as I plan to remain active in my work for as long as I am physically able.

What motivates you to work hardMy primary motivation for working hard is to provide the best possible life for my future family and children. My parents dedicated themselves to giving me an amazing life, and I aspire to do the same, if not more, for my own kids.

Name: Scott Acton
Title: CEO
Company: Forte Specialty Contractors

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?  Outside of work, I love traveling. I enjoy stumbling upon unique pieces of architecture and usage of materials for inspiration and seeing how other cultures have created environments that they call home. I love enjoying a fine meal at a new restaurant. I’m a car enthusiast and love attending a good concert!

What motivates you to work hard?  Stay out of trouble! I have to put my very busy brain to work or I will find myself in a bind! For me, to live is not to just exist – to live is to continue evolving, growing, changing, which means creating for me. I find my motivation in continuing to find newer, faster, more efficient methodologies in different construction trades. There is nothing I find more rewarding than helping someone learn to grow; I have had an amazing career and I have so much to pass on!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?  I would prefer to live near the ocean with a piece of land large enough for a greenhouse/garden. Ideally, it would be where my kids are as well, and some where I could walk to get coffee every morning and have enough space to myself but also a place to foster community with other creatives!

Commercial Alliance Las Vegas Educational Symposium
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Las Vegas Realtors

Discount for NAIOP Members and other Industry Partners 
Appraisal, BOMA, CCIM, CREW, IREM, LIED, NVSAA, SIOR and ULIN

NAIOP members register HERE

NOTE: Use the drop down arrow at the top to register at the discounted rate.

The QR code registration will now allow the discount, see above.

The 2025 Post Legislation Session review is here.

Jon Leleu
Attorney/Lobbyist
Argentum Partners
jleleu@argentumnv.com

Kerrie Kramer Leleu
Lobbyist
Argentum Partners
kerrie@argentumnv.com

 Businesses and HOAs helping Southern Nevada conserve water

With the clock ticking down to remove useless grass, businesses and HOA communities across the valley are taking advantage of the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SWNA) cash incentives by upgrading their non-functional grass with water smart landscaping.

And for good reason.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the rebate for such projects will be reduced to $2 per square foot for the first 10,000 square feet of non-functional grass converted to drip-irrigated trees and plants, and $1 per square foot thereafter.

The Aliante Master Association, which oversees the master planned community of Aliante is getting ahead of the game and removed more than 71,000 square feet of grass in April through the SNWA’s Water Smart Landscapes program. That’s enough grass converted to save more than 5 million gallons of water annually.

Businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties can still take advantage of the current rebate of $3 per square foot for the first 10,000 square feet of grass converted and $1.50 per square foot thereafter for projects completed by the end of 2024.

The changes to the cash rebate program come as a state-mandated deadline to remove non-functional grass in the driest city in the nation draws nearer. The Nevada Legislature in 2021 passed a law that prohibits the use of Colorado River water to irrigate non-functional, decorative  grass — found along roadways and medians, in front of and around businesses and some of the grass managed by homeowner associations starting Jan. 1, 2027.

For Southern Nevada, grass irrigation remains the largest consumptive use of water from the Colorado River, which provides 90 percent of our limited water supplies. Despite last year’s great winter, the river remains in a federally declared shortage condition that reduces Nevada’s allocation for the third consecutive year.

Some businesses, HOAs and other non-single-family properties across the valley have already taken a major step towards compliance with the law, but there is still a considerable about of useless grass that needs to be removed before the deadline

Once fully implemented, the conservation law will help Southern Nevada save 9.5 billion gallons of water annually. Additional information about both Nevada law and the SNWA’s Water Smart Landscapes rebate program is available at snwa.com.

The SNWA’s Water Smart Landscapes Rebate will be reduced to $2 per square foot for first 10,000 square feet of converted turf starting Jan. 1, 2025. Businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties can still take advantage of the full $3 per square foot cash incentive for projects completed by the Dec. 31, 2024.

NAIOP Southern Nevada held a Members Only Education Event in August 2024 with panelists David Kim, Director of Development Services Matter Real Estate; Marco Velotta, Planning Project Manager Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Las Vegas; and Raheel Sadiq, Project Manager Renewable Energy, NV Energy.

Southern Nevada is rapidly becoming a hub for innovation and sustainable development, driven by the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). This shift toward electrification is not only reshaping the automotive landscape but also having a profound impact on commercial real estate, particularly in the infrastructure needed to support this growing demand. With various incentives provided by NV Energy and local jurisdictions, this is a pivotal time for businesses and property owners to capitalize on the EV revolution.

The global push toward cleaner energy solutions has brought electric vehicles into the mainstream, and Southern Nevada is no exception. Consumers and businesses alike are transitioning from traditional gas-powered vehicles to electric alternatives. According to industry projections, electric vehicle adoption in Nevada is expected to increase significantly over the next decade, spurred by both environmental concerns and the availability of financial incentives.

– EV sales in Nevada are anticipated to grow by over 20% annually over the next five years.

– By 2030, it is estimated that 30% of all vehicles on the road will be electric, further boosting demand for EV charging infrastructure across the region.

This growing demand has created opportunities for commercial real estate developers to integrate EV-friendly solutions into their projects. Whether it’s retrofitting existing properties or designing new developments with EV charging stations, the commercial real estate sector is set to play a crucial role in the region’s electric transformation.

As the demand for electric vehicles increases, so too does the need for a supporting infrastructure. The integration of EV charging stations is becoming an essential feature for many commercial properties, particularly in retail centers, office buildings, multi-family housing, and industrial parks.

  • Retail Centers: Shopping malls and retail complexes can attract customers by providing charging stations, giving EV owners a place to shop while their cars charge.
  • Office Buildings: Corporate tenants are increasingly looking for properties with charging infrastructure to accommodate employees who drive EVs. Offering these amenities can enhance tenant retention and property value.
  • Multi-Family Housing: As more renters and condo owners drive electric vehicles, residential complexes with EV charging stations are becoming more desirable. This presents a competitive edge for landlords and developers.
  • Industrial and Distribution Centers: The rise of electric delivery trucks and freight vehicles creates a need for charging stations at warehouses and logistics centers.

By integrating EV charging infrastructure, commercial properties can not only meet the current demand but also future-proof themselves as electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity.

In support of Nevada’s transition to clean energy, local jurisdictions and NV Energy are offering several incentives to encourage businesses to invest in EV infrastructure.

NV Energy has rolled out a range of programs designed to assist businesses with the installation of EV charging stations. These include rebates and grants that can offset the cost of purchasing and installing charging infrastructure. Key programs include:

  • Electric Vehicle Commercial Charging Incentives: NV Energy offers rebates for businesses that install Level 2 and DC fast charging stations. The rebate amounts can vary depending on the number of chargers and the type of property.
  • Charging Depot Program: This program supports the development of large-scale charging hubs, especially for fleet operators and transportation companies.

Local governments in Southern Nevada are also getting involved by streamlining the permitting process for EV charging stations and offering tax breaks to businesses that invest in sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, zoning laws are being updated to require or incentivize EV charging stations in new developments.

 

As Southern Nevada continues to experience economic growth and development, the rise of electric vehicles will increasingly influence commercial real estate decisions. The push for a greener, more sustainable future is reshaping the region, and developers who act now to incorporate EV infrastructure into their projects will be well-positioned to reap the benefits. The combination of growing consumer demand, government support, and financial incentives makes this the perfect time for commercial property owners to get plugged into the future of mobility.

Our panelists provided industry informed insight into how the commercial real estate industry is impacted by these changes as well as how the local governments and utilities are working to address the concerns of the CRE community. Members can come to our Members can come to our next Education program on November 22, 2024. Look for more information soon!

Education Committee Chair
Jennifer Turchin
CODA Group
O 702.795.2285 | jennifer@codagroupinc.com

Dear NAIOP Southern Nevada Members,

I am truly honored to be leading our chapter this year and can hardly believe there’s only one quarter left before handing the reins to Matthew Hoyt with LaPour. My experience as Chapter President has been immensely rewarding.

This past quarter has been bustling with activity, and I am incredibly proud of the successful breakfast programs we’ve hosted this year. A special thanks to Dan Tuntland, the programs committee, Johna Savage, and Katrina Bruce for their hard work.

Reflecting on our recent events, I had a fantastic time at the Annual Bowling Tournament in August and the Oktoberfest Mixer in September. Thank you to our amazing members for continually making our events exceptional!

I also want to acknowledge the community service committee for leading the back-to-school supply drive for Hollingsworth Elementary STEAM Academy School! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our NAIOP members, we donated 14,922 school supply items and raised $5,700, ensuring the school has everything they need for the entire year! We also had volunteers read to 42 classrooms, inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators! The “Thank You” cards the readers received from students were priceless! It was also a privilege to send off the DLI Class of 2025 on their retreat last week—I can’t wait to see their growth!

Our 2024 Board of Directors met in August to create a new 5-year strategic plan, incorporating your valuable feedback from surveys. We are hard at work putting the final touches together before the official release.

Lastly, I’m excited for our city to host the national NAIOP CRE.CONVERGE conference next week. I hope to see you all there!

Thank you for everything you do, and a big shoutout to Katrina Bruce, Johna Savage, and the Alternative Management team for their unwavering support.

2024 NAIOP Southern Nevada President
Cassie Catania-Hsu
Managing Director
CBRE | Market Leader Las Vegas
702-369-4921 | cassie.hsu@cbre.com

 

But despite their quirks, engineers are also honest, hard-working, and stress-resistant. They get excited about things no one else cares about, and they can solve problems you didn’t know you had in ways you don’t understand. It may be hard to live with them, but modern civilized society cannot live without them.

Click here for more cartoons.

Brent Wright, PE, SE
CEO, Wright Engineers
bw@wrightengineers.com

NAIOP Southern Nevada partnered with SNWA and other relevant industry trade groups at LVVWD headquarters in September to provide education and training about proper evaporative cooling equipment maintenance, new technologies in the evaporative cooling industry, and other ways to prevent costly repairs and save water in the community. There are numerous local, state and federal incentives for expenditures related to more efficient evaporative cooling equipment! Contact us for more info. A special thank you to BOMA, IREM, NPFMA, and SNARSCA and our guest speakers John Bowman, Matt Vaccaro, and Robert Young.