PODCAST · business
Dirt to Development
by Withey Morris
We've got a dirty secret. Quite a few actually, and you will only hear them on our new podcast called Dirt to Development. We give you a behind-the-scenes look at key development projects and the insane stories surrounding them. Stay tuned to listen to all the dirt on land use, development, and the inside politics of Arizona!
Episodes
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Ep. 83 - Digging In: The Trials of a First-Time Developer…with Kristian Cotta
We represent developers from all stages of life, but every once in a while you need a reminder of how it all starts. Kristian Cotta from Hungry Investments tells his origin story, and why ground-up development had both growing pains and big wins. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy…
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Ep. 82 - Zoned and Confused: 6 Land Use Trends Reshaping Arizona
Arizona is growing—and the rules for getting that growth built are changing fast. In this episode, Adam Baugh takes a look at six land use trends reshaping Arizona in 2026, from the growing tug-of-war between state and local control to infrastructure-driven entitlements, data center battles,...
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Ep. 81 - From NIMBY to Neighborly: Turning Project Opponents into Project Allies
Every development project eventually meets its critics—but opposition doesn't have to become an obstacle. In this episode of Dirt to Development, we explore practical strategies for transforming project opponents into project allies, from effective neighborhood outreach and strategic concessions…
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Ep. 80 - Old Buildings, New Tricks: The Legal Playbook for Adaptive Reuse in Arizona
Across Arizona, developers are transforming aging offices, obsolete retail centers, and underutilized commercial buildings into vibrant new destinations. But adaptive reuse projects often come with hidden challenges—from deed restrictions and zoning stipulations to parking deficiencies, building...
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Ep. 79 - Silicon Meets Site Plans: AI is Fast – But Can it Read the Room?
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about tools in commercial real estate, but what does it actually mean for developers, investors, brokers, and landowners? In this episode of Dirt to Development, we explores the growing role of AI in property due diligence, land...
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Ep. 78 - The Growth Advocate: Clark Princell on Housing, Politics, and Arizona’s Development Future
Arizona continues to be one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, but who is shaping the policies and conversations behind that growth? On this episode of Dirt to Development, we sit down with Clark Princell, President and CEO of Valley Partnership, to discuss the forces driving…
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Ep. 77 - Big Box to Big Blocks: The Empty Commerical to Multifamily Makeover w/George Pasquel
As retail vacancies linger and housing demand surges, Arizona HB 2110 is creating a new playbook for adaptive reuse across the state. In this episode, we break down how commercial-to-multifamily conversions are moving from theoretical to feasible—and why this bill could be a game changer for...
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Ep. 76 - The ROAD Less Traveled: What Congress' Housing Bill Means for BTR with Steve LaTerra
Congress is close to delivering the most significant housing legislation in decades - but not without sparking a fierce debate over build-to-rent communities and institutional investment. In this episode we speak with Steve Laterra (Terra Lane Development) to break down the latest version of the...
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Ep. 75 - Build-to-Rent Meets the Federal Speed Bump
In this episode of Dirt to Development, Adam Baugh breaks down the proposed federal “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act” and explores how it could reshape housing development, zoning, and institutional investment across Arizona. From build-to-rent uncertainty to the unintended consequences for...
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Ep. 74 - Watt’s the Deal with Data Center Zoning?
Data centers may be the backbone of the digital economy, but getting them approved on the ground is anything but seamless. In this episode, we unpack the growing tension between surging demand for data infrastructure and the realities of local zoning and land use regulation—where megawatts meet...
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Ep. 73 - Razing the Bar: An Adaptive Reuse Love Story
The pursuit of land use entitlements comes with risk. For partners Adam Baugh and Jason Morris, the risk was worth the reward as they converted a local bar into a swanky law office complete with a putting green and a speakeasy. The redevelopment of this 40-year-old building is a masterclass in...
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Ep. 72 - Proportionately Yours
In this episode, we break down the concept of proportionality appeals in the land use context and why they have become an increasingly important tool for developers and property owners. When cities and towns impose conditions on development approvals—whether through exactions, infrastructure...
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Ep. 71 - Community Outreach 101...with Tom Bilsten
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.…
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Ep. 70 - The Toy Barn - A grown ass mancave...with Jason Phillips
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...
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Ep. 69 - Shouting Loudly: Is Civic Discourse a Lost Art?
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...
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Ep. 68 - Golf Course Conversions: Pulling off the impossible
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. See Privacy Policy at...
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Ep. 67 - Friends in the right places...with Steve Bowser
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...
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Ep. 66 - Taking Punches...with Rich Zacher
Like a cat, Rich Zacher has 9 (development) lives. Listen as we go down memory lane with one of our favorite guests. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 65 - Friends in the right places...with Steve Bowser
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...
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Ep. 64 - Origin Stories: Zoning Attorney to Superhero...with Ben Tate and Alex Hayes
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....
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Ep. 63 - What does a PHD from MIT have to do with Development?...with Alex Pollack
Alex Pollack created a data-driven analytical approach to contracting. Could it be useful in land use entitlements? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 62 - C.R.A.B.S and Referendums: Two Things Nobody Wants...with Grant Fisher, VAI Resorts
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...
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Ep. 61 - Buildng a Winning Entitlement Strategy...with Todd Gosselink
Anatomy of a zoning case Pt.2: Building a winning strategy during the entitlements phase See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 60 - Halo Vista: A City Within a City...with Craig Henig
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...
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Ep. 59 - "A Finger on the Pulse"...with Scott Isham
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…
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Ep. 58 - Engineer to Developer; Passion to PowHer
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...
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Ep. 57 - Oh, What a Year! with Matt Mancini
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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 56 - "I've seen a lot of tools…"
Anatomy of a Zoning Case Pt. 2: Building an effective neighborhood outreach campaign. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 55 - Why every project needs alignment between their zoning attorney and civil engineer…with Darrell Wilson of Colliers Engineering and Design.
Episode 55: Why every project needs alignment between their zoning attorney and civil engineer…with Darrell Wilson of Colliers Engineering and Design. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 54 - "If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else"
Anatomy of a zoning case Pt.1: Don't sleep on the pre-filing strategy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep 53 - Making News with Greg Barr, Editor, Phoenix Business Journal
Making news is our jam, and the Phoenix Business Journal is your insider's guide to the world of development. Join us as we navigate the crossroads of land deals and breaking news —because in our world, even dirt has a story to tell. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California...
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Ep. 52 - "You don't get to pick where you are born, but you get to pick where you die"
From band camp to development guru...with Jason Larsen. How a random encounter at Disneyland led to an unexpected and successful career in land development. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 51 - Titans of the Trade: John Graham
It's hard to think of anyone who has made a more distinctive mark on land use development and master planning in Arizona than John Graham. From the creation of Valley Partnership to McDowell Mountain Ranch and many more, John's fingerprints and projects are seen across Arizona. Enjoy lessons from...
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Ep. 50 - "The ability to give the elected official a soft place to land"
Insight and perspective from an excellent civil servant - former Mayor, business executive, and state leader Jenn Daniels. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 49 - "Molass at the Legislature" with Tom Dorn
2024 legislative update on housing bills, resignations, and Adam messes up another word…again! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 48 - The Buzzkill of zoning and land development…with Dawn Cartier and Sarah Simpson.
Why does it feel like every good development project is getting squashed by City traffic departments? If you want to get approvals, you need to hire the best traffic engineers early. Listen as we lament why City traffic departments are like Toby from the office… always killing the vibe. See…
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Ep. 47 - What do On Cloud Shoes, Spec Industrial, and Data Centers Have in Common?
Digital streaming, online computing, and AI technology have dramatically changed the way we store data and design modern industrial buildings. Jackie Orcutt from CBRE shares how it has changed her land brokerage practice…and Adam reveals his mastery of the English langauge. See Privacy Policy at...
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Ep. 46 - The mindset of running our cities like businesses.
Two of our favorite City Managers - Patrick Banger and Kevin Phelps - share why Glendale and Gilbert are some of our favorite places to develop. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 45 - Entitled? Think twice.
What should you do when your use is allowed and the municipality doesn't want it? A huge mistake is assuming the zoning clears the path to develop. Even when zoned, obstacles may still exist with city staff, local politicians, and the process. Here are our suggestions. See Privacy Policy at...
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Ep. 44 - 2023 Market Naughty and Nice List
We found some surprising nuggets sitting down with Connor Deveraux of CoStar Group in recapping the 2023 year and development sector trends. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 43 - Two Lumps of Coal and Other Laughs From 2023
Looking back on some of the highlights (and absurdities) from the World of Zoning in 2023, along with Santa's zoning wish list for 2024. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 42 - Minimal Living Concepts with Maximum Potential
Could Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) be the key to solving Arizona's housing shortage? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 41 - From Skymall to ZenniHome with Bob Worsley
How a serial entrepreneur is tackling housing scarcity in a different, sustainable way. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ep. 40 - Industrial State of the Union
No market segment has performed better that industrial development in Phoenix in recent years. The market is shattering absorption records and attracting major manufacturing, tech, and semiconductor users. Changes in recent finance and interest markets have shown some influence on new…
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Ep. 39 - Let's Get Fiscal: The Intersection of Financing & Development
What's the point of great land use entitlements if you can't secure the financing to make it all possible. Having a finance concierge is key to the effort, and precisely what Adam Finkel at Tower Capital does. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...
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Ep. 38 - Water Scarcity: Fact or fiction?
With all the wild headlines about groundwater limiting new development, it's time to set the record straight. In Arizona, water and development go hand in hand. But it's not doom and gloom as so many national headlines erroneously claim Get the facts with Jason, Adam, and Michelle Van Quathem, a...
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Ep. 37 - Will You Be My Banker?
Securing project financing is just as important as securing the land use entitlements. Without it, you've got nothing. George Weisz and Neill LeCorgne from Scottsdale Community Bank give us a peak on the creation of a community bank and how it serves underbanked communities. See Privacy Policy at...
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Ep. 36 - From Creating News to Covering News
While our zoning case work creates headlines, reporting on it is better left to journalistic experts like Roland Murphy, AZBEX Digital Magazine. We hope you enjoy a different take on the Dirt to Development podcast with an expert in covering real estate news See Privacy Policy at...
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Ep. 35 – Falling off Rooftop Bars and Learning to Fly
Liquor laws are often an afterthought when it comes to rezoning new property but sophisticated developers know to tackle that issue early in their due diligence phase, precisely what Withey Morris Baugh can help solve. In this episdoe we share practical advice and great stories to help you…
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Ep. 34 - Blow Pops, free enterprise, and housing for all!
When Senator Steve Kaiser proposed legislation to dramatically change zoning laws in 2022, it created huge shockwaves across Arizona towns and cities. A second attempt in 2023, created a similar reaction before the proposed legislation eventually lost steam at the state capital. The motive were...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We've got a dirty secret. Quite a few actually, and you will only hear them on our new podcast called Dirt to Development. We give you a behind-the-scenes look at key development projects and the insane stories surrounding them. Stay tuned to listen to all the dirt on land use, development, and the inside politics of Arizona!
HOSTED BY
Withey Morris
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Dirt to Development have?
Dirt to Development currently has 84 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Dirt to Development about?
We've got a dirty secret. Quite a few actually, and you will only hear them on our new podcast called Dirt to Development. We give you a behind-the-scenes look at key development projects and the insane stories surrounding them. Stay tuned to listen to all the dirt on land use, development, and the...
How often does Dirt to Development release new episodes?
Dirt to Development has 84 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Dirt to Development?
You can listen to Dirt to Development on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Dirt to Development?
Dirt to Development is created and hosted by Withey Morris.
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