Upfront Planning Podcast

Hosted by Jessica Sarkissian

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Episodes

162

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

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

November 11, 202656 min

Ep 157: SemiCon Taiwan 2026

Jeanine Jerkovic, CEcD Economic Development Director for the City of Surprise and Macri Utakis, Associate Director of Rider Levett Bucknall talk about their experience and what they heard at SemiCon 2026 in Taiwan with all the impact in the Arizona semiconductor market and supporting uses. Hear why this continues to be such an important industry for Arizona, how it’s being supported and what’s new in the market that we need to prepare for. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

October 27, 20261 hr 8 min

Ep. 156 - Haunted Florence

A Fun Spooky Halloween episode as Jessica interviews several people in and around the historic Town of Florence to hear about their experiences at the Old Courthouse, the former Building F, the Silver King Hotel, the old Candyshop and the stories from the BLue Mist Motel and the State Prision in Florence. Listen in and hear about one of the most historic and haunted areas in Arizona. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

October 20, 202656 min

Ep. 155 - Somebody's Watching You

Code Compliance Supervisor Chip Hart and Planning Manager Darren Gerard talk to us about the ins and outs of code compliance and what causes them to go out and investigate a property. Hear about a few crazy stories from site visits in and out of Arizona, things that seem to be daily complaints and hear about some positive outcomes for people just needing help. Hear how their job keeps them on thier toes and their head on a swivel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

October 13, 202649 min

Ep. 154 - Creating a New Municipality: San Tan Valley

San Tan Valley's 1st Town Manager Brent Billingsly talks about what it’s like not just to be on the ground starting a new Town but starting one with over 100,000 people on day 1! Hear about what he loves about starting from the ground up, what it takes, lessons learned and what to expect from Day 1. Hear how it gets done and how you can hear more about the Town's development as Arizona's 92nd incorporated municipality. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 29, 20261 hr 6 min

Ep. 153 - What Is A State Mine Inspector?!

Les Presmyk talks about mining in Arizona and what it means to be the State Mine Inspector. Hear about his background working in the mines over the last several decades, as an engineer for SRP, as a Councilman in Gilbert and how he works to ensure safety to the hundreds of mines throughout the state as the State Mine Inspector. Les tells some great history and educates us about the minerals found in Arizona and what the state mineral is, and it’s not Copper. Learn what a tight community mining is throughout Arizona and where you can find some of the best food in these mining towns. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 15, 20261 hr 1 min

Ep. 152 - How do you build a World Cup Pitch!?

Patrick Beazley, Civil Engineer from Lloyd Sports + Engineering, talks about the World Cup and imposter syndrome. Hear what went into the 2-foot base for the pitch and what it was like being on the field during the quarter finals. Hear how he went after his dream job in the US through a simple email and listen in as we get into important questions like how do you keep grass healthy under a dome, are spiders that big in Australia and do kangaroos really have abs? Listen to this entertaining episode for some new trivia knowledge. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 1, 202646 min

Ep 151: The Mark Stapp Double Header - Shit That Went wrong!

Mark follows up with this fun and honest episode about what projects have just failed. Hear him tell the stories of what projects went sideways and why and what he learned in the process. Mark and Jessica dive into all the ways the best intentions on projects go sideways and endure a fiery death, maybe not that bad, but why it happens and who some, many years later even rise like a slow, tired Phoenix. Listen in as Mark goes into all the details. (2/2) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 1, 202655 min

Ep 150: The Mark Stapp Double Header; the MRED experience

Mark Stapp, Executive Director for the ASU's Master of Real Estate Development program joins the podcast to talk about his work in real estate development and how he came to join ASU and become one of the Phoenix Business Journal's 2026 Most Admired Leaders. Hear about his development background and work which makes him a sought-after analyst to the Governor's office on pressing housing and economic development discussions.(1/2) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

August 18, 20261 hr 1 min

Ep. 149 - The People Who Plan: Larry Harmer

Larry Harmer dives into what 50 years in planning looks like and all the projects in and out of Arizona he has worked on, and yes it is ALOT! Many you will even know about! Hear about his work in Tempe early on including a planning comic book, the original Tempe Town Lake Plans and working in Salem, Oregon on their floating bridge. He has lots of stories, so many we likely need a Part 2! Hear about his early mentors, his family history dating back to the Revolutionary War serving under General Washington and his planning movie recomendations from 1969. LIsten in and you're sure to learn something new! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .