The Land Development Podcast with Ryan Glick

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In this industry news-focused episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick is joined by co-host Charles Covey to break down some of the biggest headlines affecting the land development world. They start by discussing the appointment of Scott Turner as the new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and what his plans for GSE privatization and potential departmental changes could mean for the industry.

The conversation then shifts to the ongoing challenges with California wildfires and the debate over whether federal aid should come with conditions. Ryan and Charles discuss the constitutional implications, the role of state versus federal government, and practical solutions for better wildfire management in the future.

Finally, they dive into the potential impact of new tariffs on Canadian lumber, which could significantly raise costs for homebuilders and developers. Charles shares insights on the domestic lumber supply, strategies for mitigating risks through futures contracts, and what these changes might mean for housing affordability in the near future.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-privatization-of-fannie-and-freddie-california-wildfires-update-and-trump-tariffs-impact-on-lumber.  

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan sits down with Jack Rowe, a land development expert based in North Texas. Jack shares his path into the industry, starting with architecture school before discovering his passion for real estate development. He explains how his experiences in Barcelona and working with developers in McKinney shaped his understanding of placemaking and urban design.

The conversation dives into missing middle housing—a term used to describe the housing options between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. Jack breaks down why these types of housing are so rare today, how zoning laws have made them difficult to build, and why they could be key to solving housing affordability issues. He also discusses the need for zoning reform, highlighting examples of cities like Minneapolis and Portland that have taken steps toward allowing more diverse housing types.

Ryan and Jack also explore the importance of walkability in communities, explaining why wide streets and suburban zoning often create car-dependent neighborhoods. Jack argues that successful cities evolve over time, with policies that allow for incremental changes in density and land use. They discuss how policies like eliminating parking minimums could open up more opportunities for small developers and ultimately create more vibrant, livable spaces.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/missing-middle-housing-and-zoning-reform.

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In this industry news episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick is joined by co-host Charles Covey to discuss the latest land development industry news. The conversation starts with a Fox Business feature on affordable housing solutions, focusing on regulations, federal loans, and tax credits proposed by real estate expert Larry Connor. Ryan and Charles weigh in on the feasibility of these suggestions, exploring the balance of federal versus state influence in reducing housing costs.

Next, they analyze a report from Globe Street on the growing disparity between single-family rental (SFR) and multi-family rental markets. With SFR rents outpacing multi-family rents, they explore why this trend exists and its implications for the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector. Charles draws from his own experiences in the industry to explain why single-family rentals continue to dominate despite high interest rates and economic uncertainty.

Finally, they dive into a MarketWatch report about the Trump administration's proposed efforts to downsize the federal real estate footprint. Ryan and Charles debate whether selling or terminating office leases could truly make a significant budgetary impact and discuss the potential ripple effects on local real estate markets.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-addressing-affordability-issues-sfr-vs-multifamily-performance-and-government-real-estate. 

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Ryan sits down with Tim Early, associate professor and coordinator of the Master of Land and Property Development (MLPD) Program at Texas A&M University. With over 30 years of experience in land acquisition, residential development, and consulting, Tim’s journey from a successful career in the real estate industry to shaping the next generation of developers is truly inspiring.

Tim shares his personal path, starting with his first steps in real estate during the challenging economic climate of the late 1980s. He recounts his transition from industry roles to academia, driven by a passion for giving back and preparing students with the skills that matter most. From infill development to master-planned communities, Tim’s experience informs his approach to teaching.

The conversation highlights the unique aspects of the MLPD program, which emphasizes practical, real-world education. Tim explains how the program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on learning, including reading construction plans, understanding contracts, and mastering finance. Whether online or in-person, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire real estate process, from inception to disposition.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/educating-the-next-generation-of-land-developers.

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In the first industry news episode of 2025, Ryan Glick and Charles Covey discuss the latest headlines impacting land development. They begin with the booming data center market and how advancements in AI are driving this niche real estate sector. With long-term leases and unique site requirements, Ryan and Charles explore whether data centers are a viable opportunity for most developers or a risky overbuild waiting to happen.

Next, the conversation shifts to nearshoring and its transformative impact on U.S.-Mexico trade and logistics. As manufacturers move closer to the U.S., they discuss how this trend is reshaping industrial land use and the potential challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, including the threat of tariffs.

The episode then turns to California's devastating wildfires, which have caused billions in damages and worsened the nation's housing affordability crisis. Ryan and Charles analyze the implications for land markets, migration patterns, and nationwide insurance premiums, emphasizing the role of effective leadership and disaster preparedness.

Finally, they offer their perspectives on the broader geopolitical landscape, touching on intriguing ideas like potential U.S. territorial expansions. They wrap up with a reminder of the opportunities within the land development space, despite the challenges of an eventful start to the year.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-data-center-opportunities-latest-on-potential-mexican-tarrifs-california-wildfires-impact-on-housing.

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick sits down with Felipe Castillo, partner at PlaceMKR, to discuss his path into real estate development. Felipe shares how his early ambitions to become an architect evolved into a passion for development after gaining exposure to the broader aspects of the industry. His story highlights the influence of military service on his work ethic and leadership style.

Felipe takes listeners through the intricacies of land development, from rezoning to managing investor relationships. With over 30 successful rezonings under his belt, he emphasizes the importance of engaging with local communities and understanding the political landscape to secure project approvals. His insights into raising capital, balancing project complexity, and driving revenue provide valuable lessons for both new and experienced developers.

One of the standout discussions revolves around Felipe’s involvement in redeveloping the iconic Backyard venue in Bee Cave, originally started by Willie Nelson. Felipe explains how his team is transforming the site into a vibrant mixed-use destination while preserving its rich history. This project underscores his philosophy of blending creativity with practical development strategies.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/from-military-discipline-to-real-estate-success.

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As we wrap up 2024 and head into the new year, Ryan and Charles Covey join for a reflective and forward-looking episode of The Land Development Podcast. This special New Year’s Eve edition takes a break from regular industry news to dive into the major themes that shaped land development over the past year and explore what lies ahead in 2025.

Ryan and Charles discuss the impact of fluctuating interest rates, inflation, and economic uncertainty, as well as the optimism that has grown in recent months as projects gain traction and funding becomes more accessible. They share personal experiences of how their businesses navigated the challenging landscape of 2024, from creative land acquisition strategies to the evolving role of technology and AI in real estate.

A recurring theme throughout the year was the burden of red tape and regulation, which developers consistently flagged as a significant barrier. As Ryan notes, reducing these obstacles will be a key focus for 2025, with states like Texas and Florida already making moves toward deregulation. Charles adds insights on how the market is shifting, predicting growth in BTR (Build to Rent) and single-family development, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges in multifamily housing.

This episode also touches on personal milestones and reflections, making it not only an industry-focused discussion but also a look at the year from a more personal perspective. As we gear up for 2025, the conversation leaves listeners with insights, optimism, and practical takeaways for tackling the opportunities ahead in land development.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/challenges-wins-and-the-road-ahead-for-land-developers. 

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2024 was a big year for the Land Development Podcast. With 51 episodes released and 34 interviews, there’s been no shortage of insights, lessons, and great conversations. In this compilation episode, Ryan takes a look back at some moments from the year.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear clips from a variety of guests who have shared their experiences, advice, and lessons learned in the land development and real estate industries. From discussions about patience in the development process to the importance of strong partnerships and community engagement, this recap highlights the core themes that emerged in 2024.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/highlights-and-insights-from-2024-episodes. 

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick and co-host Charles Covey analyze recent insights into the commercial real estate (CRE) market’s trajectory heading into 2025, with a focus on distressed assets, institutional investments, and opportunities for cash holders in the current landscape.

Next, they dive into a proposal to colocate data centers at nuclear power plants, examining the implications for energy policy, A.I. infrastructure, and the challenges posed by government regulation. With A.I. data centers consuming massive amounts of energy, this innovative solution could help address power shortages—but not without hurdles.

Finally, they tackle predictions for the housing market in 2025, including potential policy changes from the incoming Trump administration. From reducing regulations to increasing housing supply, they discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for developers and homeowners alike.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-cre-optimism-for-2025-data-center-power-for-ai-trump-expectations.  

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan sits down with JC Hearn, CEO of JCH Equity and a seasoned land and commercial real estate broker. JC reflects on his upbringing in rural Kansas and how it shaped his work ethic and eventual passion for real estate. From single-family homes to large-scale syndications, his journey underscores the power of persistence, lifelong learning, and strategic networking.

JC walks listeners through the significance of designations like CCIM and ALC, offering insights into their rigorous requirements and how they’ve contributed to his success. He also sheds light on the value of partnerships in scaling investments, emphasizing the importance of aligning values and building trust with collaborators.

The conversation shifts to how JC’s faith and commitment to family influence his business philosophy and leadership style. Whether through mentoring others, creating educational resources, or leveraging his expertise for impactful projects, JC demonstrates that success is about more than financial gains—it's about meaningful contributions to others.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/advocating-for-housing-solutions-in-texas.