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 development across the Valley and the challenges that threaten to slow it down. From housing affordability and entitlement battles to infrastructure planning, legislative priorities, and the rise of neighborhood opposition, Clark offers a candid look at the intersection of politics, policy, and real estate development in Arizona. The conversation explores what Arizona is getting right, where local governments can improve, and why continued collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to maintaining the state's economic competitiveness.

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 developers, municipalities, and investors alike.
We dive into how HB 2110 opens the door to by-right or streamlined residential entitlements on underutilized commercial sites, reducing rezoning friction and shortening timelines that have historically killed deals. From aging shopping centers to struggling office corridors, we explore where the biggest opportunities lie—and where local resistance may still present hurdles.


Whether you're repositioning a dying retail center or advising clients on land strategy, this episode unpacks the legal mechanics and real-world implications of Arizona’s latest push to turn empty square footage into much-needed housing.

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 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the controversial provisions that nearly upended the BTR industry, and the House amendments that changed the game.

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 housing supply, this episode examines whether the legislation is truly paving the road to affordability — or creating new roadblocks for development.

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 municipal code.

From intensive utility demands and transmission constraints to water usage concerns, noise, and community skepticism, data center projects often face a uniquely complex entitlement path. We explore why jurisdictions are grappling with how to classify and regulate these facilities, and how outdated zoning frameworks struggle to keep pace with hyperscale development.

We also dig into the politics: why neighbors push back, how elected officials respond, and what it takes to position a project as compatible—even beneficial—to the surrounding community. Along the way, we break down practical strategies for navigating rezoning, securing use permits, and building a defensible record that can withstand scrutiny.

Whether you’re a developer, land use attorney, planner, or policymaker, this episode offers a candid look at the friction points—and opportunities—shaping the future of data center siting.

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 adaptive reuse execution. Said best, "I'm sure the sports bar served better wings, but we dispense way better advice.” Join us in the journey of this office flip.

This podcast dives into the legal battles between developers and municipalities over who pays for critical infrastructure like traffic signals in Arizona. The hosts explain recent Supreme Court decisions and state laws that now require cities to justify exactions, thereby leveling the playing field for developers navigating complex land-use approvals.

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.