Volume 1 | August 2026

Welcome to the first edition of the DCREC × RELPI Newsletter.

Our organizations share a common belief: the best ideas emerge when thoughtful people come together to exchange perspectives. This newsletter is an extension of that philosophy - bringing together timely research, practical insights, and conversations that matter to the institutional real estate community.

Whether highlighting member research, sharing industry developments, or announcing opportunities to connect in person, our goal is to provide a publication that delivers value with every issue.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope you enjoy the inaugural edition and look forward to your feedback as we continue to build it together.

Mary Adams
Executive Director

DCREC

Jonathan Schein

CEO & Founder

RELPI

Author: Beth Mattson-Teig

Data centers and seniors housing used to be side bets. Now they're eating the real estate map.

Alternative sectors already make up 31% of the $11.4 trillion U.S. institutional real estate universe. And they're winning on performance too: seniors housing just posted a 3.90% quarterly return, beating every traditional property type, fueled by boomers turning 80. Meanwhile AI is pushing data center investment past $580 billion a year, with $3 trillion more expected by 2028.

The bigger story: these sectors aren't hard to access anymore. Institutional-quality assets and mature operating platforms have replaced the specialized expertise once required to invest in them.

What used to be niche is now essential.

Read the full article

Author: Beth Mattson-Teig

Private real estate has quietly been a DB plan staple for decades. Now it's breaking into defined contribution plans, giving everyday retirement savers a shot at an asset class once reserved for institutions.

The appeal is real: stability, diversification, and income that doesn't move with the stock market, especially when equities swing on a headline. Through target date funds and white label strategies, DC plans are blending private real estate with REITs to unlock daily liquidity without giving up the benefits.

Read the full article

Featured DCREC Events

DCREC Fall Council Meeting & 2026 Thought Leadership Summit
Chicago, IL | September 29-30, 2026

The DCREC Thought Leadership Summit brings together consultants, recordkeepers, asset managers, attorneys, advisors, and other retirement industry leaders to explore the evolving role of private real estate and private market strategies in defined contribution plans.

DCREC members are also invited to the Fall Council Meeting on September 29, 2:00–4:30 PM.

Featured RELPI Events

Global Real Assets Investors Summit

Miami, FL | February 10-11, 2027

GRAVITAS℠ is built upon RELPI’s foundation and is designed as a consortium of institutional investors and leading consultants responsible for allocating trillions of dollars across global real assets. Their voices will guide the program throughout the day through a mix of panels, fireside conversations, and structured networking.

Regional Investor Experiences

Portland, OR | September 17, 2026

Boston, MA | October 27, 2026

Sacramento, CA | November, 17, 2026

Cleveland, OH | November 2026

Explore

DCREC Member Research

Why Should You Add Commercial Real Estate to a Defined Contribution (401K) Plan?

As access to alternatives in DC plans expands, Clarion Partners explores the case for adding commercial real estate to a multi-asset portfolio, highlighting its potential to strengthen long-term income.

Headline ODCE returns mask a selection-driven cycle

Principal Asset Management breaks down why performance across core real estate funds, as reported by ODCE indices, improved in 1Q26, but the underlying story is one of divergence, not uniform recovery.

Integrating Private Assets in DC: Bridging Innovation and Outcomes

PGIM examines how DC plans can move beyond asking if private assets belong, to how they can be implemented responsibly, with scale, and without compromising fiduciary integrity.

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Mary Adams, Co-Publisher

Jonathan Schein, Co-Publisher

John Bluemke, Strategy

Ephraim Poloner, Strategy

Beth Matteson Teig, Contributor