Advertise on podcast: Dirt to Development

Changing the status quo can be hard for neighbors to accept, and it often drives NIMBY reaction to new development.  Smart developers know the value of hiring a Neighborhood Outreach Specialist. Hear how Tom Bilsten navigates community outreach and makes it an early step for development success.

Boys love their adult toys...but where can you put them?  Jason Phillips at Wesley Development cracked the code in the development of the Toy Barn, a luxury storage condo project meant for all your biggest toys.

Recent shootings and other public discord has affected us all. Is there a way to disagree better? County Supervisor Mark Stewart and former Councilwoman Kathy Tilque still have hope.

Turning dirt to development is hard enough, but try converting a golf course into a new subdivision and the whole world loses their mind. Against all odds, the impossible became possible over a 3 year slog. As the saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way.

Land development is not for the faint of heart, but it certainly helps to have friends on the zoning commission.  Even better when they are a professional civil engineer. It doesn't always mean a yes, but at least you know they understand the facts.  

Like a cat, Rich Zacher has 9 (development) lives.  Listen as we go down memory lane with one of our favorite guests.

Land development is not for the faint of heart, but it certainly helps to have friends on the zoning commission.  Even better when they are a professional civil engineer. It doesn't always mean a yes, but at least you know they understand the facts.  

Every superhero has an origin story and so do our zoning attorneys. Whether begging for a job, stalking your future employer, or asking your mom to make an intro...it requires creativity to launch a coveted zoning career. Listen as we reflect back on starting a career in land use and zoning law.

Alex Pollack created a data-driven analytical approach to contracting.  Could it be useful in land use entitlements?

Referendum laws are designed to empower citizens by allowing them to challenge legislative decisions through a public vote. However, in recent years, these laws have been increasingly misused by out-of-state union groups as a tool to block zoning changes and halt new developments. This trend has raised concerns that referendum laws are being weaponized to obstruct economic development rather than serve as a check on government power. Listen in as this experience plays out in real time with VAI Resorts.

Anatomy of a zoning case Pt.2: Building a winning strategy during the entitlements phase

Turning the desert into a $7 billion development project is no easy task. Billed as a "city within a city", Halo Vista will feature 2,300 acres, 28 million square feet of mixed-use development capacity, and up to 8,960 residential units as well as industrial, retail, and office spaces.  This truly is a story of dirt to development.

When the development process is fraught with uncertainty, relying on strategic relationships can help you avoid unforeseen pitfalls.  Listen as Scott Isham, Chief of Staff for Maricopa County District 4 Board of Supervisors, helps guide developemnt to a Yes...and shows us how to be a big time movie star.

The path from dirt to development is evolutionary.  Some doors close while new ones open.  Hear Shelby Duplessis's story from engineer to developer, to motivating female empowerment.

2024 was a riot.  No really...some of our cases caused a riot.  Recapping 2024 with our good friend Matt Mancini, Partner at 3 Engineering.