Join the dynamic conversations in the Upfront Planning Podcast as the owner of Upfront Planning, a renowned land planning and entitlement consulting firm based in Arizona, delve into the captivating world of development. Be prepared for lively discussions, unique perspectives, and intriguing experiences shared by the hosts and occasional guest experts. With each episode, we explore a wide range of topics within the development field, touching on everything from the latest trends to the intersection of politics. But it doesn't stop there! Our casual and engaging format extends to water cooler discussions, mind-boggling work-life experiences, and thought-provoking moments that will leave you saying 'OMG, can you believe this?' Tune in for a fun and entertaining podcast that will take you on an immersive journey through the fascinating realms of development. From the weekly topic to unexpected detours, the Upfront Planning Podcast delivers insightful content that keeps you hooked. Follow us now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your shows!
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60 recent
August 4, 20261 hr 5 min
Ep 148 - Being Upfront with RVi
The RVi team joins the podcast to do a MAJOR update! In case you haven't heard already, Jessica is now officially with RVi in their Scottsdale office. Hear from Regional Vice President Mark Reddie, Principal Alex Stedman and Vice President - Principal Brett Anderson about what RVi does, what projects they work on and all about the culture that made Jessica join the fabulous RVi team.
July 21, 202651 min
Ep. 147 - Funding Public Projects Another Way
Lance Holman, President and CEO with Holman Capital, joins the podcast to talk about his approach over the last 20 years! This is such an interesting discussion about what to do when Bonds fail and how to get the funds to keep things moving smoothly. He talks about the additional funding opportunities that he has seen succeed and provide more positive financial outcomes with more security and less risk. He has worked with large and small municipalities, school districts, police and fire departments, sanitary districts and hopes to share some relief for when you just have to get the roads, waterlines and sewers fixed or upgraded, finding funding access to get it done! This discussion is a great one for anyone in the field on how to approach funding options you didn’t even know you had!
July 10, 202632 min
Ep. 146 - RVi Design in California and Overseas!
Brett Par, Vice President at RVi in the California office, joins the podcast to talk about his design approach to amazing projects in California, Arizona, and even overseas, which include envisioning exciting resort projects that take into account the natural environment and feel to create unique destinations. Listen in to hear his process and how he got to be “the guy” for some very cool projects. Hear this fun discussion I got to have to learn more about what he does and the California office.
June 24, 202635 min
Ep. 145 - Reimagining the Cul-de-Sac: Building Walkable Communities for the Future
What if the most innovative community in America is built around what's missing?In this episode of The Upfront Planning Podcast, Jessica sits down with Ryan Johnson, founder and CEO of Culdesac, the groundbreaking developer behind America's first purpose-built car-free neighborhood. From a childhood spent in suburban Phoenix cul-de-sacs to a life-changing trip to Europe, Ryan shares the inspiration behind a development concept that is challenging decades of conventional planning and reshaping how people think about community.Ryan discusses the journey of bringing Culdesac Tempe to life, the challenges of navigating zoning and development regulations, and why walkable neighborhoods continue to be some of the most sought-after places to live. He also offers an exclusive look at the upcoming Culdesac Mesa project and explains how transportation, local businesses, public spaces, and community connections can work together to create healthier, happier neighborhoods.Whether you're a planner, developer, elected official, or simply someone interested in the future of cities, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how innovative design can transform the way we live.
June 3, 202648 min
Ep. 144 - Creating forever design and architecture with Helios
Steve Betts talks with Jessica about creating a forever building with the Helios Education site in Phoenix. Hear about the innovative ways the design team thought 100 years in the future for the buildings' use, energy needs, future water needs, the impact of less parking needs, and how to expand the buildings' usable space without expanding the footprint. Most impressive is hearing how they built a site that stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter without much assistance from utilities, if at all. Listen in on this very impressive building, which we hope everyone will one day get to tour.
May 14, 202637 min
Ep. 143 - Running a small Town like Duncan, Arizona
Town Manager Terry Hinton in Duncan, Arizona talks about managing a small Town and what goes into being a man of many hats in rural Towns and how all the amazing goals he has achieved in 3 short years!
May 7, 202640 min
Ep. 142 - Detroit National Planning Conference
Jessica talks about the recent 2026 National Planning Conference in Detroit, Michigan and what ideas and discussions she is bringing back to use in AZ.
April 23, 202630 min
Ep. 141 - AAED 2026 Spring Conference Download
Jessica does a download of the recent Arizona Association of Economic Development (AAED) Spring Conference iin Tucson, AZ. Hear about the great sessions, the first teaming conference with RVi and how she handles a very active extrovert conference... was she able to network all the entire time!?
April 16, 202654 min
Ep. 140 - Oh Those Sensitive Architects
Why are architect’s so sensitive? We’ve got Ben Ayers and Dane Astle, both Arizona Architects who tell us about why they are the way they are in this entertaining episode. They will tell us what creates good looking projects and how we can get more of those great designs and places. We will talk about what’s hot and what’s not in their eyes of architecture.
April 8, 202656 min
Ep 139: Master Planning is BACK!
Amy Weidman with Harvard Investments joins the podcast to talk about thier development projects moving forward as well a thier massive new development in the west valley, Rio 1900 "Soltstice". Hear about why and how this project came to be and what it means for West Phoenix area.
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