Lipsky President Alex Lipsky Selected to Contribute to the 2026 Non-Profit Trends Report
Lipsky Construction is pleased to announce that our president, Alex Lipsky, was recently selected to contribute his industry expertise to the 2026 Non-Profit Trends Report. Published annually by Cerini and Associates, this report serves as a primary resource for leaders navigating the complexities of the non-profit sector. Alex’s contribution focuses on the shifting landscape of construction and facility management, providing a roadmap for organizations to protect their physical assets in the coming year.
As a third-generation firm, we have seen the industry move through various cycles of change. However, 2026 presents a specific set of challenges. While recent years were defined by unpredictable supply-chain issues, Alex notes in the report that the obstacles ahead are quite predictable for those who plan early. The upcoming year will be defined by two major regulatory shifts that require the immediate attention of non-profit boards and executives.
Regulatory Shifts in 2026
Building codes often seem relevant only during new construction. However, the updates taking effect in 2026 are broad and impact both new developments and existing facilities.
Updated Federal ADA Mandates The legal requirements for accessible space are changing. The 2026 federal ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) updates close specific gaps in previous regulations to ensure facilities remain truly inclusive for all populations. For many non-profits, standard maintenance routines may no longer be sufficient to meet these tightened standards. If a facility has not undergone a professional accessibility audit recently, the organization may face compliance risks. These risks can negatively impact service delivery or future eligibility for government grants and private funding.
New Energy Code Requirements The 2026 energy code shifts represent the most significant update to these standards in a decade. These requirements focus on reducing the carbon footprint of buildings through high-efficiency HVAC systems, improved insulation, and updated electrical standards. While these mandates requires careful budgeting during the design phase, they offer a long-term operational benefit. Reducing a facility’s monthly utility spend allows an organization to redirect significant funds back into core mission-programming.
Risk Identification as the Critical First Step
Non-profit leaders should avoid a reactive approach to facility management. In the trends report, Alex states that nonprofit organizations should bring in a qualified construction management firm to identify risks as the critical first step.
The risk-identification process involves a comprehensive audit of current assets against these 2026 codes. This analysis helps leadership teams answer several essential questions:
- Does the current facility entrance meet the new federal mandates?
- Does the heating and cooling system comply with the latest energy standards?
- Will a planned renovation project trigger mandatory, unbudgeted upgrades due to the new codes?
By identifying these risks early, non-profit leaders move from a position of crisis management to one of strategic planning. This allows boards to incorporate necessary facility upgrades into their capital campaigns and grant applications well before a deadline or a violation notice is issued.
The Role of the Owner’s Representative
Construction and facility management are often outside the primary expertise of non-profit staff members. This is why the Lipsky Construction team frequently operates as an owner’s representative. In this capacity, we act as a dedicated advocate for the organization throughout the entire life-cycle of a project.
As Alex highlighted in the report, a construction management partner ensures the organization is set up for success by acting as the professional liaison between the mission and the technical requirements of the build. An owner’s representative ensures that:
- The specific interests and mission of the non-profit remain the priority.
- Architects and subcontractors deliver work that meets the organization’s actual needs.
- Budgets are protected through precise cost-modeling and value-engineering.
- The final project meets every new federal and energy mandate to guarantee full compliance.
Building for a Resilient Future
The 2026 Non-Profit Trends Report emphasizes the importance of organizational resilience. A resilient organization is prepared for changes in building codes and avoids the financial strain of sudden facility expenses.
Lipsky Construction is proud to support the non-profit community by providing the clarity needed to navigate these predictable challenges. By starting the conversation early and identifying risks today, your organization ensures that your facility remains a high-performing asset for years to come.
The primary question for every leader this year is whether their facility is ready for the 2026 regulatory shift.