Jessica Sarkissian - Podcast Details

Shows

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 99: The People Who Plan: Celeste Werner, FAICPMatrix Design Group's Chief of Strategic Development Celeste Werner, FAICP tells us about her amazing planning history and how she got involved in military airport planning, redevelopment projects and Guam! Jessica also asks the scary question why does she come across so tough and always down to business.2025-05-0953 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 97: What it's like to be a planner in New Jersey New Jersey Planner, Chris Dochney joins us to educate us on what its like as a planner in New Jersey. The processes, the requirements, do they really require AICP to be a planner and all the things that are hot buttons like warehouses and pet shelters. He tells us all the dirty planning entitlement details and why Jessica's hometown back east makes the list of Nimbyism... you know who you are.2025-04-251h 06

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 92: ULI Housing Conference RecapJessica does a debrief on the ULI Housing Conference that was held in Atlana, GA and what were the hot topics everyone was talking about and were any solutions or remedies for this housing issue defined.2025-03-1459 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 77: City TiesBob Pikora and Larry Tom; both City of Phoenix Alumni; catch up with fellow alum Jessica and talk about life at Phoenix and after.2024-11-291h 22

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 70: All The Things Home with MelissaMelissa Gierhan host of the "All the Things Real" podcast joins Jessica to talk about being an realtor and interior designer and her big visions for this East Valley mom with her new ventures.2024-10-1150 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 69: Fast and Funny SessionHear some outrageous stories from Jessica's annual conference planning session about the stories that teach us the most about working in the planning field. I do not endorse or confirm that any of these stories are true or real and I do not approve any bad behavior :)2024-10-0441 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 68: AZAPA 2024 Conference RecapJessica is joined by Upfront Planning intern Parker Lewis to go over what happened, who was there and let you know all what you missed from the fun events at the 2024 Arizona State Planning Conference in Tucson.2024-09-2752 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 65: AZ League of Cities and Towns 2024 Conference Recal with Mayor PetersonJessica is joined by Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson to recap all things League fo Arizona Cities and Towns 2024 Conference. Hear how some of the sessions went and what it is like as an elected navigating this fun and eventful conference.2024-09-0656 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 64: Ladies Leading in Development3 Business Owners in Land Development talk shop about being leaders in their field and what it takes to get there and stay there. Hear the stories and trials they each have had and how they juggle the mental load and continue to be amazing in thier field. Nicole Posten-Thompson, RA, Sarah Simpson, PE and Jessica Fitz have a frank conversation about being a business owner, life and being a woman in their fields.2024-08-301h 06

Adults In TrainingEp. 25 - Back to SchoolThe kids weigh in on the dreaded first day back to school and what they expect in the new school year. Hear who will be up at dawn and who will be hitting the snooze button.2024-08-0244 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 60: Mayor John GilesMesa Mayor John Giles talks with us about how he got on the track to be the Mayor of Mesa what his proudest moments of being Mayor are and what is he going to do after his term is up? He talks about the positions challenges and who has helped him succeed along the way.2024-07-3033 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 59: A Lasting Legacy in MesaMesa Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Mark Freeman joins the podcast to talk about his lasting impact as a Mesa native and a first responder to being elected to the City Council and now as a candidate for Mayor. Mark goes over his priorities for Mesa's future and what you can expect from him as continues to serve the citizens of Mesa.2024-07-2358 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 24 - BRUNO MARS in Vegas Debrief!Lexi and Jessica discuss Lexi's first trip to Vegas and the amazing Bruno Mars Concert at the MGM 2024-07-1949 min

AZ Big Podcast with Michael & AmyEp. 147 - Jessica Sarkissian of Upfront Planning talks Arizona landEp. 147 - Jessica Sarkissian of Upfront Planning talks Arizona land 2024-07-1622 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 58: Upfront Business Owner TherapyKelly Bell from KBell Engineering talks about Civil Engineering as a small women owned business and we get into a little Upfront therapy for both of us as being small business owners 2024-07-1251 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 23 - Summer Vacay MemoriesThe kids talk about thier trip to California to see Universal Studios, California Adventure, Sequoia National Park and live life on the beach for a couple weeks during the 4th of July Holiday.2024-07-1246 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 57: What does it Cost to Build That!?Danson Construction Melissa Johnson and Gilbane Construction's Michelle Rousseau and Ken Grothman join the podcast to tell us what it really takes to construct a project and all that goes on behind the scenes and why the earlier in the site development process the better to get them involved to tell you what its goning to cost.2024-07-0538 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 56: Shit That Happened This Week #2The second episode with Jessica's current ULI Next group leader Jason Hersker talking about the commercial market and what he has seen recenlty in the ups and downs of development with a little postive before the drama.2024-06-2850 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 22 - Kids Summer Sleepover Camp 2024The 3 kids talk about thier recent experience at summer camp this year and what it was like having their brother with them there this time.2024-06-2147 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 55: What exactly is a Plannning Booty Call?Adam Baugh and Jason Morris of the Dirt to Development podcast and Withey Morris Baugh join the podcast to talk a little smack, stir shit up and talk about what a Planning Booty Call is from Clients.2024-06-2147 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 54: Shit That Happened This WeekULI Next members Kirk Fonfara and Jim Bulsiewicz joins the podcast to talk about how their industry is going in title and multi family development and all things random and fun.2024-06-1459 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 21 - Jack's Birthday Episode!Jack goes through some touch questions to tell us what its like to be 7 in his fun and unique way. And no he has not actually seen Bridgerton, he is such a scandal starter:)2024-06-0734 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 53: Companies Giving BackJessica is joined by Shelby Duplessis of Diversified Future and Passion to PowHer and Ryan and Jamie Blakeman of Lokahi Teams to discuss their non profits and why they started them and how they are able to continue to give back while working their regular full time jobs. Hear how thier passion has grown into amazing opportunties to support the communities they live in and more through simple deeds one at a time.2024-06-0755 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 52: Downtown Mesa: Making a historic vibrant downtownFor Historic Preservation Month we are talking about the redevelopment and preservation of Downtown Mesa. Councilmember Jenn Duff, Downtown Transformation Manager Jeff McVay, AICP and Caliber's VP of Construction Management Wren Martin talk about the history of Downtown Mesa as well as how it got its kick start again and the future plans while still keeping its historic and community character.2024-05-311h 01

Adults In TrainingEp. 20 - An Uncomfortable DiscussionThe girls talk about what the 5th and 7th grade sex ed school talks were like and what they learned and didnt learn. This will be cringy and fun to listen to.2024-05-3042 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 51: Partnering for the the future of the fieldGirls Can Build and ULI Urban Plan joins us to talk about mentoring and collaboration to guide the future of the development field 2024-05-241h 05

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 50: AAED Conference RecapJessica is joined by the fabulous Meg Zemlicka from the City of Tempe Economic Development Division as they go over this years Arizona Association for Econmic Development Spring Conference in Lake Havasu, AZ!2024-05-171h 08

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 49: Running a County Bigger Than 3 States!Darcy Kober, Maricopa County Assistant County Manager joins us to talk all things County Management. What its like managing the 4th most populous county in the US and what her day to day looks like and how to manage having 27 jurisdictions within your area to be in the sandbox with.2024-05-1053 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 19 - 16th Birthday PodcastLexi and her friend Brooke do a fun 16th Birthday Podcast to celebrate with some trivia, stories and drama.2024-05-0748 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 48: Early Life as a PlannerExisting and former employees talk about how they transitioned from school and interning to full time planners. Whitney and Kessiah join Jessica as they talk about all the fun and learning experiences of getting thier feet wet in thier new planning careers.2024-05-0356 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 18 - Pop Music EducationThis fun episode tests thier music knowledge and gets them singing about their favorite songs they know, should know and a few they dont. Guess which songs will make them belt it out in their music education episode.2024-04-2642 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 47: Arizona is not ColoradoJessica's friend and former coworker Hannah Van Nimwegen-McGuire, AICP joins us from Colorado wher she has worked most recently as a Planning Director in Manitou Springs and previosuly for Colorado Springs after she left Arizona in 2015. Hear how she feels AZ and CO planning constrasts and lessons learned.2024-04-251h 15

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 46: AZ WPG Leading Ladies DiscussionThe AZ Planning Association Women in Planning Group continues thier panel discussion with Amanda Bayham, AICP from the City of Phoenix and Denise Lacey from MCDOT to discuss what its like working in a field typically dominated by men and what they have learned as they grew in the field and learned to prioritize themselves while still growing thier careers.2024-04-1950 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 17 - Required Movie ViewingThe girls talk all things important movies to be watched for a good background in 70's and 80's movies.2024-04-1242 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 45: Community Partnerships in DevelopmentJessica is joined by Clark Princell of Valley Partnership, Rina Rien of Pinal Partnership and Deb Sydenham of the Arizona Urban Land Institute to hear about what it’s like to run one of these highly influential groups and how they are able to stay at the forefront of development, innovation and economic investment in Arizona.2024-04-121h 03

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 44: Arizona HB 2570 AftermathResidential builders Michael Stephan from Porter Kyle and Taner Maddux from Sunstone Two Tree join the podcast to talk about HB 2570 which was recently vetoed by Arizona Governor Hobbs called the “Arizona Starter Homes Act”. Many municipalities joined together to get the veto while others in the home builder industry were in favor. Listen from both sides as we discuss the impacts of what did not get approved, what should have been approved.2024-04-0557 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 16 - Just Jack Things: Ghostbusters and TitanicJack gets his own episoide where he gets to talk all things Ghostbusters and Titanic. Spoiler alerts on the new frozen empire movie and spoiler the ship sinks.2024-03-3052 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 43: State Trust LandMark Edelman, AICP from the Arizona State Land Department joins us to clarify the difference between State Trust, BLM and Federal Lands and how state trust land works for the designated beneficiaries in Arizona through the Enabling Act. He answers the age old client question, how can I develop on one of those properties and why state land is not open space.2024-03-2958 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 42: Read the Code!Jessica dives into her first solo episode as she talks all things planning and development code. Hear what she has learned through being an enforcer of code as a municipal staff person, user of code as an applicant and as a recommender of codes as a planning commissioner and hearing officer. Jessica dives into her thoughts on Form Based vs Conventional Zoning Code and some advantages and pitfalls and how she thinks they can make life easier for staff and the public with the correct application and careful wording.2024-03-2253 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 41: AZ Trends Day RecapJessica is joined again by Melissa Johnson of Danson Construction as they discuss the 2024 ULI Arizona Annual Trends Day in Phoenix, Arizona. Hear about the sessions, speakers, networking, lunch and sponsor booths. Listen in and hear what hit home the most and how a Director of Business Development and Marketing utilizes these great events to make those important connections.2024-03-1558 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 15 - The Parent's PodcastJessica and Greg talk about what it was like before kids and what changed with having kids. They discuss how their parenting styles differ and how crazy it is how different each of the kid's personalities are and how the parent each slightly different to match the kids.2024-03-151h 02

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 40: Planning Directors Assemble!Josh Bednarek, AICP from the City of Phoenix and Kyle Mieras, AICP from the Town of Gilbert talk about what it is like being a Planning Director for some of the hottest development areas not only in Arizona but in the County. How do they maintain great City planning and build on their great places while managing a large planning team.2024-03-0852 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 14 - Thailand!Tired and jet jagged, Jessica and Alexis talk about thier recent trip to Thailand. Everything they did and what they liked or didn't like and how was the food and of course amazing weather and ELEPHANTS!2024-03-011h 15

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 39: So, what do you do here?Owner of Upfront Planning & Entitlements, Jessica is joined by Melissa Johnson and finally explains “What do you do here”? Jessica has a wide variety of public and private sector land planning experience and she dives into what her days look like and what type of projects she works on. Hear from the founder of the podcast as she gets “Upfront” about land planning and all that goes into it.2024-03-011h 00

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 38: Architects Make The Site WorkNicole Posten-Thompson from On Point Architecture and Jessica Fritz from J. Cor Architecture talk about the different types of architecture they do from residential, to high density to commercial and industrial uses and their misconceptions. Here how they work through the cities to solve development problems and why there need to be "some" more requirements.2024-02-231h 01

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 37: Mother Daughter PlanningSuper fun Episode! Jessica and her daughters Alexis and Audrey are joined by friend and planning colleague Jenifer Corey and her daughter Laney as they talk about what it was like growing up in a “Planning” household. Hear about why they do or don’t want to be planners and all the things they have learned along the way that otherwise they wouldn’t know. I’m not just a regular mom… I’m a planning mom.2024-02-161h 10

Adults In TrainingEp. 13 - Beauty Routines and Tick TockThe girls talk about the trends they are seeing and what they do as part of their own hair and skin routines and what they will and won’t use. Jessica talks about what was common when she was a teen and why now she encourages the girls to use better products then she did and then of course there is some other random discussions thrown in as they always get off topic.2024-02-1641 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 36: APS will Keep the lights on for youCameron Robb from APS joins the podcast to talk about all things APS and how and why they are continually the first to know what is going on in the Valley of the Sun. As not only residential providers, APS supplies electricity to some of the largest users in the state. Hear how they plan for the future and how they make sure they always keep the power running.2024-02-0948 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 35: The Mesa 2050 General PlanJessica is joined by City of Mesa Project Managers Jeffery Robbins and Rachel Nettles and the Chair of the Mesa 2050 General Plan Advisory Committee Ron Williams, to discuss the 2050 Mesa General Plan Update. Learn how they started back in 2020 preparing for the update and everything that you see and don’t see to prepare the guiding policy document for the November 2024 voter ballot to get it across the finish line.2024-02-0248 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 12 - Football ChampionshipsThe girls and Jack go into the drama of championship football season as they get quizzed on some aspects of the point system and of course they go into the reason why they watch… J.J. McCarthy. Hear their response to the Michigan win and their hopes for the Lions in the Superbowl… spoiler alert, it did not go their way. Next year right!?2024-02-0243 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 34: Upfront Planning Anniversary Celebration Part 2Continue to listen in on this fun event celebrating 5 years of Upfront Planning & Entitlements and bringing in all our friends, clients, coworkers and guests to talk and celebrate. Hear their shout outs, stories and all the fun that was had celebrating this milestone. You might hear someone you know or you!2024-01-261h 02

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 33: Upfront Planning Anniversary Celebration Part 1Listen in on this fun event celebrating 5 years of Upfront Planning & Entitlements and bringing in all our friends, clients, coworkers and guests to talk and celebrate. Hear their shout outs, stories and all the fun that was had celebrating this milestone. You might hear someone you know or you!2024-01-2244 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 11 - Hunger Games ControversyThe girls join in a very heated debate about the Hunger Games books and movies and discuss their favorite parts and chaos in sues as their mom states a few controversial opinions about the ending of the movies and about the new prequel. No one will be spared from the reaping!2024-01-1950 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 32: No, I won’t Design Your backyard!Jesse Westad, PLA, ASLA and Brian Sager, PLA, CID, LEED AP with WERK Urban Design dives into designing projects that last through being sustainable in landscape architecture and open space infrastructure. Hear why it’s more important to provide good planting policies in code vs. minimum tree requirements and opportunities to be creative in retention and drainage to better use water in our desert landscape.2024-01-1253 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 31: Arizona is Open for Business in 2024!Jeanine Jerkovic, CEcD from the City of Surprise and Eric Johnson, AICP from the City of Phoenix join us for a fun intro into 2024! Launch into 2024 and hear about the Economic Development that is occurring in Arizona and what they project for 2024! Hear what they think makes a City succeed over others as well as what makes the difference in having a Great Economic Development Department.2024-01-0548 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 10 - True Kid Chaos and Favorite Christmas Songs and MoviesA truly painful episode to record filled with kids’ honest chaos among the 4 siblings as they fight for the mic and attention. Hear them debate their favorite holiday movies and sing their favorite holiday songs, or try to. This is a perfect episode to listen to, to better understand the daily discussions, verbal assaults and caring comments of 4 siblings and how they still love each other despite what you may hear.2024-01-0552 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 30: Landscape Architects Save ProjectsValerie Ahyong, PLA, LEED AP, ASLA from Lloyd Architecture and Chad Atterbury, PLA, LEED AP from Dig Studio join us to discuss landscape architecture and design and how easy it is to make or break a project through the design and by creating truly unique spaces and places. Hear what they feel is the proper time to bring landscape and outdoor spaces into the development discussion and why you should never ignore landscape and outdoor spaces.2023-12-2950 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 29: HOLIDAY PARTIES!Happy Holidays and listen to this fun holiday episode as they discuss the networking and fun holiday parties from this 2023 holiday season! The outfits, the venues, the guests, the food and the photos! Join in and hear what they are like and checkout our Instagram page to see all the event pictures at “Upfront Planning Podcast” Instagram page.2023-12-2046 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 28 - Surprise, you’re on camera!Scott Kelly, PE, PTOE with Greenlight Traffic and Steve McKenzie, PE, PTOE with the City of Peoria join us to tell us about ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) and how the world is changing to make things faster, safer and more convenient in transportation systems. Learn how long your driving habits are kept in the cloud for and how these systems are implemented and run. Don’t worry its usually only AI judging your driving habits now.2023-12-1544 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 9 - Memories, Games, Technology & HOLIDAY CHAOS!All 4 kids join Jessica today in the studio for some random discussions about memories of major events, favorite games, the future of technology and holiday randomness! Hope you all have a great new year and we will be back in 2024!2023-12-1544 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 27 - Pinal County’s own Jimmy BuffettLand Advisors’ Kirk McCarville (Jimmy Buffet look alike) and Trey Davis join us to talk about the immense growth of Pinal County and Casa Grande and what it in store for the future of the area. Listen as they talk about what market areas are growing, for how long and what the area needs to continue to be the growth and job future for the state. Kirk and Trey will tell you what is going on in every inch of the County and the history of it so you can buy the land “in the path of development”.2023-12-0848 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 26 - “I do not think that word means what you think it means”Architect Ben Ayers comes back to join us about his favorite discussion, Reuse. Reuse of buildings and sites is not new, but becoming more common in Arizona as its aging and we are seeing more and more infill. Listen in as Ben discusses with us the things you may have not thought about when trying to convert a building’s use from one thing to another and how sometimes design and zoning code may need to be amended to accommodate for things that weren’t envisioned when they were originally created for mostly new sites vs. existing Reuse.2023-12-0143 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 8 - Two TeenagersOldest child Alexis brings her friend Maddie and her mom Cathy to talk about all things being 15 and the excitement of summer, gossip, hardships being a teenager today and the excitement of preparing to drive!2023-12-011h 05

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 25 - I’m thankful for people like Hannah and JoeHannah Whitwer from The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Joe Cable, PE from Bowman Consulting and an active Bishop and church member within the Church of Latter-Day Saints join us to talk about the ways nonprofits are trying to help address the housing and homelessness issues in Arizona. This enormous topic is more than just a single fix, but engagement with the community and volunteers across many sectors. Listen in and hear how nonprofits and church organizations are trying to make an impact and keep the community thriving and making strides to help prevent and address chronic ho...2023-11-2255 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 24 - Character Counts in Planning and LifeAmber takes the lead in this episode interviewing Jessica as they discuss one of the hardest things to personify to people: Character, Morals and Ethics. Listen in on this interesting and introspective episode with a little ranting, ethics and moral discussion and why we are the way we are and a few things you may have not known about us.?2023-11-1741 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 7 - Favorite Holidays and TraditionsHear from the girls as they start out on track to discuss their favorite traditions and holidays of the Fall and Winter season and then get sidetracked of course by random conversations only the way three sisters can. Also is it a requirement for Dad’s to open Christmas presents slow or just ours? Talk about food to decorations to the proper way to go trick or treating, spoiler alert if you’re not using a pillowcase you’re doing it wrong.2023-11-1742 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 23 - Explain Drainage to me like I’m a 5-year-oldListen in on this really educational episode with Pinal County Engineer Chris Wanamaker, PE, CFM, CPM and Wilson & Company’s Drainage Practice Lead Rob Scrivio, PE, CFM as they talk to us about why water is not just water but a powerful force to be reckoned with. Arizona land can be a complex terrain to work with due to soil, topography, climate and more. Hear how we are not like Michigan, one size does not fit all, water does not follow jurisdictional boundaries and why you can’t just put up a wall to block it. Save yourself a lot of...2023-11-101h 02

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 22 - Building up the next Generation of Planners with MentoringUpfront Planning Principal and founder Jessica Sarkissian, AICP is joined by Upfront’s planners Victoria Chavez and Amber Knapp as they discuss how they got to where they are, their backgrounds and who and how they got to where there are. Hear about the best ways to get to those next steps and different ways to network and grow your career with certifications and being an active part of numerous associations and volunteering for public boards and committees.2023-11-0344 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 6 - Middle Child Therapy SessionMiddle child Megyn joins Jessica and little brother comedian Jack to talk about whatever she wants and finally get a word in edgewise. Lots of great stories and fun talks between and almost 13-year-old and a little 6-year-old basically picking on their mom. Listen in you won’t be disappointed.2023-11-0342 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 21 - Water is Flowing in ArizonaCAWCD (Central Arizona Water Conservation District) Board members Ben Graff and Pinal County Supervisor Stephan Miller join us to discuss what it is like on the Board, what they do for the CAP (Central Arizona Project), a 336-mile-long aqueduct system in Arizona. This episode goes over the lobbying efforts to keep Arizona at the forefront of the discussion in the delegation of the Colorado River Lower Basin and continue to be as sustainable and efficient as possible to continue to be a high-quality reliable provider of water to Pima, Pinal and Maricopa Counties.2023-10-2758 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 20 - AZ Legislative Update with Cole and RyanPrepare for the next AZ Legislative Session when it reconvenes at the end of the month with Dorn Policy Group’s Cole Libera and Snell & Wilmer’s, Ryan McCann joining the podcast to talk about what big changes happened at the AZ State Legislature with resignations and retirements. Hear the discussion as to what has been going on with all these housing bills from the Planning perspective and why they keep failing and when they believe they will eventually pass and with what in them. Learn how the process works and hopefully we can provide some insight as to what w...2023-10-201h 00

Adults In TrainingEp. 5 - How well do you know your sister quizThe girls all join Jessica in questions on how well do they know their sisters. Listen in as this episode sparked teasing (of course), crying (from laughing so hard) and complete embarrassment as Megyn turns so red when she decides to answer some texts from a boy during the podcast. Enjoy the fun on this one and hear what they are really like and how they answer the final hardest question of “Say one nice thing about your sister.”2023-10-2049 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 19 - Actual Land Planning with Tricia and AmandaTricia Gomes, Deputy Director and Amanda Leon, Planner III from the City of Phoenix talk to us about Land Planning 101 and the difference between their upcoming General Plan Update and the Zoning Ordinance. Hear about Variances, Site Plans and the best ways to get public engagement during development projects. Hear ways the public can get involved and how plans get from first discussions to approvals for a variety of projects from a residential update to a large industrial site like TSMC.2023-10-1356 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 18 - Policy vs. Code Planning (Terri and Sandy)Jessica and Amber are joined by Terri Hogan and Sandra Hoffman of Logan Simpson who are also former public sector planners who recently retired at the top of their game. Learn the basics or long-range planning and what a general or comprehensive plan is and what is required to make them the community policy documents they are. Better understand what is and is not required by state law as well as how to make the most of the public outreach to impact the plans that get adopted.2023-10-0653 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 4 - Sports TryoutsSchool is back in session which means so is sports. We talk about getting back in game mode for club sports and the anxiety driven junior high and high school tryouts. Hear how the girls do and don’t deal with it.2023-10-0648 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 17 - AZ State Planning Conference Recap!Jessica and Amber debrief the 2023 Annual Arizona State Planning Conference in Litchfield Park, Arizona in this episode. Hear about the good and possibly lacking sessions as well as well as who had the best booth at the conference during the Planner’s Bazaar and how they rated the Opening Reception. Hear if this event hit the mark or what they hope for next year in Tucson.2023-09-291h 00

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 16 - Moving Forward with Airport PlanningRyan Smith and Tony Bianchi discuss the history and growth of Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa. Hear how the airport stays successful as one of the few military base airports to successfully convert to commercial operations and the large impact it has on the growth and expansion of not only the east side of the Valley but the entire state with the inclusion and expansion of the foreign trade zone on site.2023-09-2245 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 3 - Double DigitsYoungest daughter Audrey invites her friend Payton and her mom Stacy to join in what it’s like to be 9, almost 10. They go into talks about favorite and hated school subjects, grades and even time management! Who knew they even know what that meant!2023-09-2253 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 15 - AZ League of Cities and Towns Conference Recap!Jessica and Amber go over the 2023 Annual League of Arizona Cities and Towns Conference in Tucson, Arizona and discuss the highlights of the event and the things they could have done without. Listen in as the tell you about their first time attending this event and how this differs from other organization conferences they have attended as well as the Parade of Flags Celebration for this primarily public sector conference.2023-09-1556 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 2 - An Amazing Vacation Between SchoolThe Sarkissian crew once again dives into the subject of school starting again and then flies right back into vacation mode to relive their favorite parts of their summer activities. Here what they liked and loved in Alaska, Vancouver and during their first ever sleep away camp.2023-09-0854 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 14 - Commercial Market Ins and Outs for 2023/2024Listen in on this engaging episode as we talk all things commercial from the realtor side finding a site to the financial side and what makes a project pencil or not. This is not your normal episode and rants will be shared with lots of great discussion and learning that a commercial/ industrial lease or sale is NOT the same as applying for a home mortgage. Hear what really goes on behind the scenes.2023-09-081h 23

Upfront Planning PodcastEp. 13 - SRP Works in ArizonaHow does the SRP system work and how do we possibly have enough water in Arizona?! We talked with water geeks Patty Garcia-Likens and Christa McJunkin from SRP to ask the good questions and learn how those earlier policies get implemented and explain why Arizona is really at the forefront of water management in the United States and why Arizona has room to grow.2023-09-0144 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 12. - What it’s like to Run for Public OfficeMayor Brigette Peterson and Arizona Corporation Commissioner Kevin Thompson join us to talk to use about their experiences running for public office and what goes into the process. We talk about the requirements, obstacles, political parties and what they actually do in their positions as Councilmember, Mayor and Corporation Commissioner. A great interesting discussion also to explain “what does a Corporation Commisioner even do?”. Increase your knowledge in the process before the next election and maybe run for office yourself!2023-08-251h 05

Adults In TrainingEp 2. - Two TeenagersOldest child Alexis brings her friend Maddie and her mom Cathy to talk about all things being 15 and the excitement of summer, gossip, hardships being a teenager today and the excitement of preparing to drive!2023-08-251h 04

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 11. - Occasionally Accused of MurderJen Ruby and Jamie Blakeman join Upfront Planning to talk about their experience working through the development process. From working through municipal staff comments to dealing with neighbors and being accused of murder. What they feel are the best practices and how we can all create better projects through collaboration.2023-08-1851 min

Adults In TrainingEp. 1 - Adults in Training Pilot EpisodeJoin the Sarkissian clan as we introduce you to the family sand hear from each of them what makes them tick, what they are excited for, worry about and also break into some random jingles and song for good measure.2023-08-1850 min

Adults In TrainingWelcome to Adults In TrainingDo you ever wonder what your kids are thinking about all day, every day? Do you enjoy having funny conversations with your kids while you're driving from place to place? Well, then this is the place for you. Welcome to adults in training. My name is Jessica and I'm sitting down with my four kids of varying ages having casual and fun conversations to explore their world and get some perspective. Some episodes will be joined by other kids and their parents too, so come with us as we chat about the differences between the kids current...2023-08-1600 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 10. - Back to School Special with Deanna and GenesseeDeanna Villanueva-Saucedo and Genessee Montes join Jessica to talk about how schools and land planning work together to provide future communities in Arizona the education and workforce needed to sustain future teachers and school employees for a stronger community. Discussion also goes into the collaboration between Cities, school, Community colleges and what the bond measures and overrides mean and why to Vote Yes. Discussion goes into open border school boundaries, charters and more for this lively discussion.2023-08-1155 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 9. - Why are you so Sensitive?Why are architect’s so sensitive? We’ve got Ben Ayers and Dane Astle, both Arizona Architects who tell us about why they are the way they are in this entertaining episode. They will tell us what creates good looking projects and how we can get more of those great designs and places. We will talk about what’s hot and what’s not in their eyes of architecture and what new trends are coming up.2023-08-0454 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 8. - Hey, I live in an apartment!Tempe Mayor Corey Woods and City of Phoenix Planning Director Josh Bednarek join the Upfront Planning podcast to talk about the big housing issue and what needs to be done locally, at the state and federal level to get housing opportunities and costs for everyone back on track. Discussion goes further into why there is so much opposition to housing and what is at the heart of the matter.2023-07-2856 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 7. - New Land Planner BootcampListen as the ladies of Upfront Planning discuss what it is like to be a new planner in the field. Learn the ins and outs and how to network and land that first job. Lots of good stories and hear what works for the public and private sector to start working after you’re ready to get your feet wet in development.2023-07-2544 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 6. - Lawyering Up with ZoningCarolyn Oberholzer of Bergin, Frakes, Smalley & Oberholtzer and Lindsay Schube of Gammage and Burnham join the podcast to talk about what its like to be a zoning attorney and what even is a zoning attorney. Learn what makes land attorneys so cool and why they need to be so different then what you may think an attorney is. Listen in as we hear about all their crazy stories as these two friends join us for a fun time which will need to be revisited for sure!2023-07-1857 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 5. - From Then to Now, How Phoenix is a Development LeaderHeidi Kimball of Sunbelt Holdings and Jill Hegardt of DMB talk about how they started out in the development world, what has changed since then and what projects they are most proud of. We will talk a little bit of the changing of the guard from the way things used to be done to how Arizona has become at the front of land development and growth in the US. Listen in as we get carried away and this episode deserves another episode.2023-07-1155 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 4. - An Upfront Water Discussion with Grady & CherylCheryl Lombard and Grady Gammage Jr. join the Upfront Planning Podcast to discuss water in Arizona and where we stand in water policy and forward-thinking water management. Arizona has long understood the complexities and importance of water long before it was required regulation. Learn how Arizona is at the forefront of the water discussion in policy to ensure Arizona continues to thrive and grow.2023-07-0449 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 3. - Rising from 2008 with Sherri & TroyJessica’s former bosses Sherri Koshiol and Troy Peterson join us to talk about the 2008 downturn and how they rose from starting again in 2008 to starting their own firm and teaming with Bowman Consulting and grow it to be a successful firm and hire all the best people of course. And of course, be on the listen for the occasional zinger from Troy to always harass one of his favorite people Sherri. 2023-06-2741 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 2. - Evolving with Heather & AmyListen in on engaging and fun conversation with Amy Malloy ad Heather Personne from Evolve Ventures as we talk about how they got to where they are and why and how did they start Evolve. Lots of fun from these ever-engaging rock star ladies tell us how to have fun while working or kind of working.2023-06-2044 min

Upfront Planning PodcastEp 1. - Upfront IntroductionsOur introduction episode where we share what the heck we are doing and why we are doing this podcast. Meet the Upfront Planning ladies, owner Jessica Sarkissian and Land Planner, Amber Knapp as we talk about who we are, where we have been and what Upfront Planning is doing. Get a feel for how Upfront we can be as we engage in casual and fun conversation and start the podcast off right!2023-06-2049 min

Upfront Planning PodcastWelcome to Upfront Planning Podcast Join the dynamic conversations in the Upfront Planning Podcast as the ladies 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 lea...2023-06-1901 min

Dirt to DevelopmentEp. 6 - Lessons learned from the Dais: Volunteer Commissions & Boards, with Jimmy Lindblom and Jessica SarkissianServing 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.2021-12-211h 00