I hope you had the opportunity to slow down over the holidays and enjoy meaningful time with family and friends. As we turn the page on 2025, we’re grateful for the trust and partnerships that carried us through a year defined by persistence, progress, and momentum.
Entering 2026, market conditions are signaling a strong and steady recovery, supported by healthier fundamentals, growing confidence, and more consistent capital flow across the commercial real estate landscape. This foundation is creating renewed clarity for our clients and partners as they plan, invest, and advance projects with confidence.
At M&F, we’re energized by what’s ahead. As we continue building on our firm’s legacy and investing in our people and technology, our focus remains the same: pushing our clients’ visions forward with discipline, humility, and precision.
In this issue, we’ve highlighted key insights shaping the year ahead, along with market updates and project progress from across the region. We look forward to continuing our work together in 2026.
Sincerely,
Taylor Hale, President
Five Key Insights
2026 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE TRENDS
Key trends shaping the CRE sector, including rising costs, AI adoption, energy efficiency, and tenant experience. Explore how these forces interact in the upcoming year.
TEXAS STOCK EXCHANGE GAINS TRACTION
The Texas Stock Exchange continued building momentum in Q4, securing $270 million in backing from major financial institutions and resolving a trademark dispute as it advances toward a 2026 launch.
FORT WORTH SETS THE STANDARD FOR PERMITTING REFORM
Fort Worth now ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for the fastest and most efficient permitting process, giving developers a critical advantage in an environment where time-to-delivery directly impacts project feasibility.
REINVESTMENT TAKES PRIORITY IN AUSTIN
According to Colliers’ 2026 Commercial Real Estate Outlook, Sun Belt markets like Austin are positioned to outperform as fundamentals stabilize and capital re-engages. With new development remaining selective, owners are prioritizing renovations, tenant improvements, and operational upgrades across office, retail, multifamily, and hospitality assets.
FRANCHISE CLARITY IN HOSPITALITY
With most U.S. hotels operating under franchise agreements, proposed federal legislation like the American Franchise Act is drawing attention across the hospitality sector. The bill aims to clarify the responsibilities between hotel brands and owners and bring greater certainty to how franchised hotels operate and plan for the future.
Highlights from M&F’s 4th Quarter
- Announced M&F’s brand evolution, honoring our founders’ legacy while reaffirming our commitment to elevating the client experience.
- Continued building and serving the communities we work in through local volunteer efforts, including supporting the Ronald McDonald House.
- Expanded client and AI-driven technology capabilities while continuing to invest in our people, reinforcing our belief that the strongest client value comes from well-equipped teams.
- The fourth quarter capped a trailblazing year, with one project complete, several more nearing the finish line in early 2026, and ten new projects awarded across North and Central Texas.
- As we closed out the year, we welcomed seven new team members to M&F, strengthening our team and setting the stage for continued momentum in 2026.