Infrastructure Junkies! Exploring Eminent Domain, Right of Way, and Infrastructure Development (formerly The Pendulum Land Podcast)

How do you get to know the newest leader of the premier right of way trade association?  An interview with Infrastructure Junkies, of course!

In this episode, Dave and Kristen interview Denise Skinner, the incoming International Right of Way Association (IRWA) president. They discuss Denise's motivation for assuming such a significant leadership role within the IRWA and her experience on the International Executive Committee (IEC). Denise shares her perspective on the challenges and rewards of serving on the IEC, including the time commitment and the need to balance work and personal life. She also discusses the changes and improvements she hopes to bring to the association during her term as president. Overall, the conversation highlights the dedication and passion of IRWA members and the importance of strong leadership in the organization. In this conversation, Denise Skinner discusses the upcoming conference in Long Beach and the absence of drama. She also talks about her work on the Strategic Planning Task Force and the accomplishments of the association. The conversation then gets fun when Dave and Kristen attempt to expose any of Denise's "bad tastes" with a spirited round of 20 Questions, covering topics such as hot dog toppings, hidden piercings, favorite pickup lines, and more.

This episode was generously sponsored by Blackbird Right of Way, LLC as well as Pendulum Land Services, LLC.

In this episode of Infrastructure Junkies, your hosts are joined by guests Matt Harris and Ray Mehler to discuss various topics related to right-of-way professionals and pop culture. The first theme discussed is relocation, with the hosts and guests sharing their experiences and insights on becoming relocation experts. The second theme revolves around the final rule, which provides benefits for displaced individuals in federal and federally funded projects. The hosts and guests discuss the changes in the final rule and the potential impact on state relocation acts. The episode also includes pop culture topics involving the movies Back to the Future and Star Trek - The Next Generation, exploring the concept of property rights in the time-space continuum. Pop culture topics also include childhood food memories and the challenges and opportunities of generational differences in the workforce. The hosts discuss their favorite childhood foods, such as SpaghettiOs and Chef Boyardee beef ravioli, and share their experiences with different food products. They also explore the topic of generational wars, particularly the tensions between Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, and boomers. They also discuss the role of attorneys in the right-of-way process and the importance of collaboration and ethical representation. The episode concludes with the topic of umpiring and refereeing in sports, with a focus on the challenges and importance of making fair calls. The hosts share their experiences and perspectives on the role of officials in maintaining the integrity of the game.

This episode was generously sponsored by Blackbird Right of Way, LLC, your go to relocation experts in the United States.

The best way to understand why we have our standard eminent domain laws and procedures may be to learn through a good story.

Houston attorney Bobby Debelak of the law firm McDowell Hetherington joins Infrastructure Junkies to tell the story of Robert Moses, who amassed incredible power despite never being elected to a public office. Morris utilized eminent domain to accomplish some of the most amazing infrastructure projects in New York.  During his amazing reign, virtually all of the City, State and Federal infrastructure spending in New York flowed through Moses.  Hear more about his amazing rise to power, projects and controversial legacy.

This episode is graciously sponsored by Blackbird Right of Way, LLC, experts in the Uniform Relocation Act available for projects throughout the United States.

A right of way professional cannot overlook the importance of a good title search.  Keri Dupey from HDR, Inc. joins Infrastructure Junkies to explain and review the significance of title searches, title reports and title examinations of property subject to condemnation or eminent domain.

This episode was generously sponsored by Pendulum Land Services, LLC, a DBE and SWaM certified right of way company headquartered in the mid-Atlantic area.

The popular Eminent Domain Podcast signed off after a successful six year run.  The Eminent Domain Podcast's host, Texas attorney Clint Schumacher, joins the Infrastructure Junkies to reflect upon his show, his experiences, and all that he learned from being the pioneer podcast for the eminent domain industry.  Listen in while Clint is on the business end of a rough cross examination!

This episode of Infrastructure Junkies was graciously sponsored by Blackbird Right of Way, LLC, providing expert relocation services under the Uniform Relocation Act across the United States.

Christina Thoreson, Anthony Alderman and Ross Greene return to Infrastructure Junkies for more!  Will eminent domain and right of way appraisers be replaced by artificial intelligence ( "AI" )?  Can AI supplement or improve appraisal methodology?  Wouldn't the use of AI remove inherent human bias in testimony?  The group also discusses the sales comparison approach in appraisal and how it too can be manipulated, manipulation of highest and best use, appraisal of convenience stores and gas stations, and the role of a broker in eminent domain cases.

And listen on when Christina, Anthony and Ross receive their "bar names" to use at social functions!

This episode was generously made possible by Blackbird Right of Way, LLC which provides expert relocation services across the country.

Infrastructure Junkies invited two of their favorite real estate appraisers, Christina Thoreson and Anthony Alderman, to discuss a variety of hot appraisal topics encountered in right of way acquisitions and eminent domain cases.  Attorney Ross Greene (Mr. "chicken sacrificing voodoo" himself) infuses the conversation with more than his fair share of cynical color commentary.  Easements - types and effects on value.  Is there really such thing as permanent damage by a temporary easement? Why is the cost approach so distrusted by some attorneys?  And what about the "cap rate"?

And listen in on the round table discussion about Billy Squier's hot new single!

This episode was generously sponsored by Blackbird Right of Way, LLC.

Shant Boyajian of Nossaman, LLP joins the Infrastructure Junkies to update listeners on the progress of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  Has this funding caused the dramatic boom in the right of way industry as predicted?  What projects are being funded and how?  Have there been any surprises?  Is this just the beginning or is the money running out? And what's next for the right of way industry?  Listen in for answers to these questions and more about the largest influx of infrastructure funding we've ever seen!

Eminent domain can seem oppressive and unfair.  The American system of compulsory acquisition features constitutional restrictions and obligations, as well as numerous duties imposed on condemning authorities and rights conferred upon impacted landowners.  Our right of way acquisition process has come a long way, yet imperfections persist.  Do we have the best system in the world? Is it fair enough? Are there loopholes that still need to be closed, and is there more that we should be doing to protect our citizens? Texas eminent domain attorney Sejin Brooks joins Infrastructure Junkies to offer his insights into what's broken within the systems of right of way acquisition, eminent domain and the Uniform Relocation Act.