When the Masters in Real Estate Development (MRED) program launched at ASU in 2006, few people could foresee the role it would play in development projects across Arizona.  In the 16 years since, its influence is seen in the graduates, relationships, and projects that have been created because of it (as well as other copycat programs that imitate its success). In this episode we learn the origins behind the MRED and how it is shaping developments across Arizona.

Agritopia is to planning what the Beatles Sgt. Peppers album is to music – a masterpiece. Joe Johnston's accomplishments as a developer and entrepreneur include other successes like Epicenter, Coffee Plantation, Joe's BBQ, Joe's Farmhouse Grill, Liberty Market, and more. Listen as we hear how Joe reinvented his family farm into a model for place-making and creative development and how William Johnston leads the family legacy onto the next frontier of development. We hope you enjoy this storytelling episode with one of the most eclectic developers around.

Michael Rumpeltin is the design brains behind notable projects like The Yard, Joyride Taco, Stock and Stable, Postinos Highland and more. Hear how he makes unique spaces work with adaptive reuse and experiential retail.

The City of Glendale is seeing tremendous success with new developments along the 101 and 303 Freeways, and the tip of the spear is the City's Economic Development Department. Check out how Brian and Randy from Glendale's Economic Development Department help prepare and pave the way for successful developments, and why all new projects should start with them first.

If the General Plan were viewed as an atlas map, and a zoning map like a street map, then zoning attorneys would be Google Maps.  In this episode we provide critical guidance on how to navigate General Plan amendments, key filing deadlines, and potholes to avoid during that process.

The North Central Phoenix Homeowners Association is no pushover, and rightfully so. They've worked hard to set high standards and encourage good development. But not all cases are easily won and some give and take with the neighbors and developers is necessary. Listen in as we discuss effective neighbor outreach and learn key insights from a well-respected community leader, Mary Crozier.

The city planning department is more than just an episode of Parks and Recreation (but we sure would love to see Leslie Knope at the Planning Commission). As the Director of the fifth largest city in America, running the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department is a daily sprint. Not far away, Scottsdale's planning director confronts the daily struggle of old time Scottsdale and new day investment. Hear how Alan Stephenson (Phoenix Planning Director) and Randy Grant (Scottsdale Planning Director) see the role of staff in land use cases and try to find a way to balance the support for new development and community preservation.

Serving on municipal boards and commissions is a thankless job. Nobody pays you, it's inconvenient and almost every decision makes another person upset. So why do it? We've got some sage advice from two of our favorite community resident volunteers. Jimmy
Lindblom and Jessica Sarkissian discuss the pros and cons of serving on zoning boards and commissions, share insights on what makes a good zoning case and how to effectively work with
neighbors.