The Big Picture, Made Practical: Key Takeaways from CREW Atlanta’s Economic Forecast

At the CREW Atlanta Economic Forecast event, which drew nearly 600 commercial real estate professionals from across the region, industry leaders explored the macro forces shaping the year ahead — from global energy dynamics to monetary policy and infrastructure constraints.  

Following the event, Bohler’s team reflected on the themes that emerged and assessed how those trends are likely to show up in real-world development scenarios. The conversations provided valuable context for understanding where pressures and opportunities may arise in the year ahead. 

Bohler translated those insights into practical considerations for developers — focusing on how economic signals can inform site selection, entitlement strategy, capital planning, and risk management as projects move from concept to execution. 

Energy and power constraints are now a primary development driver. 

Power availability, grid capacity, and alternative energy solutions are increasingly determining what can get built — and when — across data centers, industrial, and adjacent commercial uses.

What you can do:

Engage utilities early and evaluate on-site or alternative power options to de-risk schedules, control costs, and stay ahead of community and approval challenges. 

AI-driven growth is reshaping project feasibility and capital strategy. 

Rapid expansion in AI and data center development is tightening access to both infrastructure and capital, requiring more disciplined upfront planning and sequencing.

What you can do:

Stress-test site feasibility and capital stacks early — aligning infrastructure timing, entitlements, and financing assumptions before committing significant resources.

Office demand is evolving, not disappearing. 

AI is changing how people work, but not eliminating the need for workplaces. As roles shift toward higher-value tasks, commercial real estate demand remains more resilient than some projections suggest. 

What you can do:

Design for flexibility — prioritizing adaptability, experience, and long-term usability — to align with how tenants are redefining space and work patterns. 

Successful growth will require proactive coordination. 

Navigating AI-driven development will depend on early alignment between developers, utilities, municipalities, and communities to manage infrastructure needs, public trust, and long-term market stability. 

What you can do:

Build alignment early with municipalities, utilities, and stakeholders to anticipate review challenges, maintain public trust, and keep projects moving predictably. 

Ready to apply these insights to your next development decision? Start the conversation.