2019 APA ARIZONA CONFERENCE

IN THE MIDST OF TRANSITION

This year’s conference will get you from here to there.

S e p temb e r 11- 13 , 20 19
Oro Valley, Arizona
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Intro.......................................................................................3

General Info.........................................................................................4

Conference Host...................................................................................5

At A Glance.........................................................................................6

Special Events.......................................................................................7

Mobile Tours............................................................................................10

We d n e s d a y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Wednesday Concurrent Sessions........................................................14

T h u r s d a y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Thursday Concurrent Sessions............................................................20

F r i d a y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7

Friday Concurrent Sessions...............................................................28

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

Dear Members of the Arizona Planning Association and Honored Guests,

It’s time for the 2019 Arizona State Planning Conference! We are excited to present this year’s
event at the Hilton El Conquistador in beautiful Oro Valley at the base of the Santa Catalina
Mountains. This year’s conference is geared to be exciting, informative and especially interactive!

The 2019 conference theme, “In the Midst of Transition,” is a perfect theme as we move forward
in planning and in the growth of Arizona. It has been approximately 10 years since the “time
which must not be named.” As a result of Arizona’s resilience and of lessons learned, we have
emerged stronger and more diversified with development opportunities and investment within the
state. This year’s tracks help convey those lessons learned, new opportunities and ways to provide
a sustainable and calculated growth through that knowledge.

We are especially proud to have the current APA National President Kurt Christiansen, FAICP, as
our keynote speaker. We are honored that Mr. Christiansen has chosen our chapter conference as
one of the few to attend this year. Mr. Christensen previously supported our chapter at the 2017
Great Places ceremony for Congress Street in downtown Tucson. He is very excited to be back in
Arizona, and I encourage all of you to introduce yourselves and make him welcome.

This year we had an outstanding number of submissions for the sessions which enabled the committee
to offer a variety of topics to appeal to the many professionals in our field. We hope you enjoy
this year’s program and encourage you to write down and submit your own session for 2020 when
an idea strikes.

If you haven’t done so, check out the mobile tours available, they are a great way to get more in-
depth knowledge and create some memories with past and future colleagues. Everyone remembers
those connections made through friendly conversation and experiences at the conference. The
conference provides a number of these opportunities through special events such as: the opening
reception, the Planners’ Bazaar, and Friday’s post-conference lunch.

Finally, a huge thank you to our conference co-chairs Anna Casadei,

AICP, and Orlanthia Henderson from the Town of Sahuarita as well as
their entire committee! They have come together to deliver an amazing
conference.

Be sure to take advantage of your time in Oro Valley to have some fun,
network, attend new sessions and creative mobile tours and stay the
weekend to relax by the pool.

Go Wildcats!

Jessica D. Sarkissian, AICP

President, APA Arizona

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

GENERAL INFO

The APA Arizona State Planning Conference will be

held at the foot of majestic Pusch Ridge in the Santa
Catalina Mountains at the El Conquistador Tucson, a
Hilton Resort, located in Oro Valley, Arizona, from
September 11 to 13.

This year's conference will have over 35 sessions and mobile workshops covering planning
best practices from Arizona as well as national trends, grouped into four tracks.

N U T S & B O LT S ENVIRONMENT T R A N S P O R TAT I O N COMMUNITIES

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE HOST
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort
10000 Nor th Oracle Road
Tucson, Arizona 85704

Book your room for APA Arizona ’s

2019 Conference
Book your hotel room before it ’s too late!
APA Arizona’s bloc k of rooms will sell out
fast. There is one other hotel nearby, but all
others are at least several miles away. Don’t
delay - book today!  There are currently
rooms at a special rate at the Hilton. These
rooms will go fast so take this oppor tunity to
reser ve one now.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION 

The conference group rate is $125.00

A block of rooms has been reser ved

for September 10, 2019 - September 13, 2019
The special room rate will be available until August 20 or until the group bloc k is sold out, whic hever comes first.

Parking: Ample free parking is available.

Registration and Information Desk

The registration and information desk will be in the conference center.

The desk will be staf fed the following days and times:
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 – noon

Conference Cancellations/Refund Policy

All registration cancellations must be received in writing by Monday, August 26, 2019, to be eligible for a refund
less a $50 administrative fee. Cancellations af ter this date and conference no-shows will be responsible for the full
amount of the registration because your attendance will have already been guaranteed. You may send a substitute
in your place in the event you are unable to attend or not able to cancel in time.

Conference Contact Information

The APA Arizona website, www.azplanning.org, is an excellent source for updated conference information. For
other conference information, please contact the association of fice at 602-866-7188
or by email: info@azplanning.org.

CLIC K HERE TO REGIS TER N OW!

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

AT A G L A N C E
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Nuts & Bolts Environment Transportation Communities
8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Planning Ethics

10:15 - 11:45 a.m. Current Planning Law

12:00 - 1:15 p.m. Key n o t e L u n c h

THRIVE IN THE 05: A

Establishing a Downtown Core Improving Health Through
Collaboration of Three Initiatives Risks Related to Climate Change Incentivizing Infill Along Tucson’s
1:30 - 2:45 p.m. District Through Visioning, Zoning
for the Transformation of Tucson’s and Reclamation in the Southwest Modern Streetcar Route
Planning: Arizona’s Health
Mobile Tour: and Design Guidelines Improvement Plan & Assessment
Historic Northern Gateway
Nature
Meeting Bike Your Community:
Urbanization Fast and Funny Planning for Resilience in the Face Participatory Workshop:
Opportunity Zones – What an Creating a Roadmap for the
3:00 - 4:15 p.m. Planning Stories
Opportunity!
of Climate Change and Changing
Development of a Community
What’s Impacting the
THE GAME! Rainfall Patterns Affordability of New Homes?
Relevant Bicycle Hub

5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Opening Reception

8:30 - 10:00 p.m. AICP Tri via Night and Mixer

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Nuts & Bolts Environment Transportation Communities

Mobile Tour:
7:00 - 9:00 a.m. Bike The Loop

8:30 - 10:15 a.m. Plenary Session

Mobile Tour:
Infill Along
Revitalizing Downtown: Transitioning Public Policies and How the Phoenix T2050
Tucson’s Streetcar Planning Opportunities and
Transformation and Activation of Regulations to Encourage Local Mobility Improvement Program
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Route Speed Date a Planner
Public Spaces in Albuquerque, NM, is Enhancing the Connection of
Challenges in Southern Arizona’s
Food Production Border Communities
Phoenix, AZ, and Chandler, AZ Neighborhoods and Services

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Awards Lunc heon

Transforming Mobility in Tucson

Cobre Valley CHEER: The Connection Between Land
Through Complete Streets, Centering Equity in Planning
1:45 - 3:15 p.m. Legislative Update 5-4-3 Framework Use and Water Planning:
Community Partnerships, and Healthy and Diverse Communities
Session 1 - The Evidence
Innovative Project Delivery

The Good, the Bad, and the

Density, Design and the Bottom The Connection Between Land
Ugly: Lessons on Navigating a Getting the Data You Need
3:30 - 4:45 p.m. Professional Planning Career from
Line Homebuilder Decision Use and Water Planning: Planning for a Driverless Future
Quickly and Easily
Making: An Unfiltered Discussion Session 2 - The Practice
Some Arizona “Senior” Planners

5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Planners’ Bazaar

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Nuts & Bolts Environment Transportation Communities

7:45 - 8:45 a.m. A PA A r i z o n a A n n u a l B u s i n e s s Me e t i n g

“Be Prepared” Mobile Home Parks, RV Parks, and the Development Outcomes to
Patagonia, The Nature
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. AICP Exam Future of Affordable Housing:
Conservancy and CRS
Transit: National and Arizona
Preparation Highlighting the Project Cities Program in Apache Junction Perspectives
Mobile
Tour:
Tucson: Planning Directors’ Roundtable Border Downtown Reuse and
UNESCO Revitalizing Downtowns Advancing What Matters Most to The Future of Autonomous and
Directors from the Four Largest Revitalization: Partnerships for
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. City of Arizona Cities Talk About
through Public/Private Arizonans: The Arizona We Want Connected Vehicles
Housing, Public Health and Economic
Gastronomy Partnerships Progress Meters What Are Arizonans Thinking?
Challenges and Issues Facing Them Development in Nogales, Arizona

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Lean in to Lead Luncheon

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 �
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS TRAINING WORKSHOP
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER I I
9:30 A.M. - 2:45 P.M. :u

--·A-PA-ARIZONA STATE P[A�NING CONFERENCE

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ORO VALLEY, ARIZONA
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WORKSHOP AGENDA
9:30 - I 0:15 a.m. Registration
10:15- 11:45 a.m. Planning & Zoning Commission/Board of Adjustments IO I
12:00 - I: 15 p.m. Keynote Lunch: Current Trends in Planning
I :30 - 2:45 p.m. Planning & Zoning Commission/Board of Adjustments 20 I

TAKEAWAYS
• Hone decision-making, nuts and bolts, and leadership skills
• Learn roles and responsibilities for planning commissions and boards of
adjustment
• Discuss current trends, case studies, and engage in interactive dialogue

REGISTRATION FEE PARKING

$100 - Registration includes lunch. Parking is free.
Registration is limited to 70 attendees.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

QUESTIONS?
Contact the APA Arizona Office at (602) 866-7188 or info@azplanning.org

American Planning Association

Arizona Chapter
Making Great Communities Happen
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

SPECIAL EVENTS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 11, 2 019

Lunch Keynote Opening Reception

12:00 – 1:15 p.m. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

CM Credits: 1.25 This year’s opening reception will be held at the Oro Valley
Community Center. Attendees will be able to soak in the sunset
The Vice Mayor of Oro Valley, over the mountains, enjoy the twinkling lights of downtown
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett, Tucson and delight in the local tastes of Oro Valley by Chef
will welcome our group at de Cuisine, Tory Fitch. The conference committee have also
the start of the keynote lunch. planned a fun new twist to enhance your enjoyment of the
Melanie Barrett, Vice Mayor of Oro Valley
The keynote speaker is Kurt evening.
Christiansen, the current APA
national president. Kurt is the Two motor coaches will depart at 5:15 and 5:30 from a
former Economic and Community designated location at Hilton El Conquistador. Riders will be
Development director for Azusa, returned to El Conquistador at 7:30 and 8:15. There is also
California. He has been active ample parking at the community center if you wish to drive.
in APA serving as the California The center is located at located 10555 N. La Cañada Drive.
Chapter president as well as
holding regional and national A student poster competition will be featured during the
positions. He is also a Fellow of opening reception. Please take the time to vote for the
the American Institute of Certified Planners’ Choice Awards.
Kurt Christiansen, APA National President
Planners.
This evening will include dinner and two drink tickets with
registration.

AICP Trivia Night and Mixer

8:30 – 10:00 p.m.

Location: The Sundance Patio at The Overlook

Planning to take the AICP Exam? Retaking the AICP Exam? Enrolled in the AICP
Candidate Pilot Program? Planning trivia nerd? If you answered yes to any of these
questions, this unconventional session is for you! Meet for a brief question and answer
session led by recent exam takers, followed by a trivia night style study session. Teams
are encouraged, but not required. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team or individual. Attendees will
benefit from the experiences of recent AICP exam takers and leave with an enhanced sense of confidence.

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

SPECIAL EVENTS
T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019

Plenary Session
8:30 – 10:15 a.m.

The plenary speaker is Steve Farley, a long-time state senator from

Southern Arizona who last year was a candidate for governor. Steve is
an artist whose work can be seen in Downtown Tucson. He was among
the first advocates for Tucson’s modern streetcar and is currently running
for Mayor of Tucson.

Awards Luncheon
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Come celebrate our award-winning colleagues and their projects at the annual awards luncheon.

Planners’ Bazaar
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Come enjoy great food, drinks, and exhibits by conference sponsors. This evening will include dinner and two drink tickets with
registration. The University of Arizona will host an alumni event in conjunction with the Planners’ Bazaar. Please look for the
area designated as such.

Make sure to find the Women in Planning Group’s table at the Planners’ Bazaar for a free gift, and afterwards at the
Colibri Lounge at El Conquistador for a great networking opportunity!

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

SPECIAL EVENTS
F R I DAY, S E P T E M B E R 13 , 2 019

Lean in to Lead Luncheon

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1

Location: The Last Territory Restaurant

(on El Conquistador Property outside main
building)

This has been a popular post-conference

function for the past several years. Join planning
profession leaders who will share learning
experiences, ethical issues encountered, good
bosses, bad bosses, state and national conference anecdotes, milestones achieved, and obstacles yet to overcome. The
purpose of the session is to learn from each other about planning in Arizona and the tasks ahead of us as well as the
opportunities for every planner to lean in and lead in these many endeavors. This is an interactive session. Quiz the panelists
about their planning history, past projects, pontifications and purpose.

Separate registration required, but open to all attendees.

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

MOBILE TOURS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 11, 2 019

Nature Meeting Urbanization

1:30 - 4:15 p.m.
CM Credits: 2.75

The transition from nature to the built environment is being

addressed in a number of ways in Pima County. The first stop
of the mobile workshop will be the Oracle Road wildlife bridge.
Completed in March 2016, this 150-foot-wide bridge is the first of
its kind in the Sonoran Desert. Participants will learn about the
development process for the wildlife bridge and its success.

The second stop is Oracle State Park, a natural island in

a built environment. Participants will enjoy the short drive
from the bridge to the park surrounded by a beautiful
mountain backdrop, desert flowers and cacti. At Oracle
State Park, the group will have the opportunity to view
hieroglyphics and an original ranch house in what was
once a 78-square-mile ranch in this spectacular setting.

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

MOBILE TOURS
T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019

Bike the Loop

7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
CM Credits: 2.00
This mobile workshop involves a bike ride along an extension of Tucson’s famous Loop. Thursday, September 12, 7:00 to
9:00 AM. Maximum 20.
Participants will ride along a paved, off-street extension of The Chuck Huckleberry Loop through Oro Valley; the Canada
del Oro Bike Path. The Loop system consists of over 120 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes connecting unincorporated
Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson. These connections are made possible by successful
cooperative partnerships facilitated by Pima County. The Loop provides access to numerous amenities and services and can
be enjoyed on foot, bike, skates, and horse.
John Spiker, P.E. (Civil Engineering Manager- Pima County Regional Flood Control District) and Nancy Ellis (Multimodal Planner- Town of Oro Valley) will
provide presentations along the ride. Riders will learn about the history, development, and future of The Loop while viewing scenic desert vistas and local art
installations. The ride will begin and end at the Oro Valley Marketplace, and distance will be determined by weather, discussion lengths, and rider’s interests
and abilities. Restroom breaks, and rest stops will be available as needed. Participants are welcome to bring their personal bicycles (and transport them to and
from the starting point); however, bicycles will be provided courtesy of TUGO bike share and Shift Transit. Helmets will be provided and are required at all
times while riding.

Infill Along Tucson’s Streetcar Route

8:30 – 11:45 a.m.
CM Credits: 3.25

Tucson has found a way to increase urban densities with neighborhood

involvement. The Modern Streetcar and new development and
redevelopment along the streetcar route and nearby areas have changed
the urban model for Tucson significantly, and there are still additional
development opportunities to be realized. Infill development strategies,
however, are not without critics, especially those concerned with historic
preservation and gentrification. Panelists will discuss the tools being used
to carefully plan increased land use intensities, strengthen the market
for the development of vacant and underutilized land, and improve
interconnectivity, as well as the lessons learned. Participants will have a
chance to ride the streetcar and see in person the development that has
taken place as a result of infill strategies that have been implemented along
the streetcar route.

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

MOBILE TOURS
F R I DAY, S E P T E M B E R 13 , 2 019

Tucson: UNESCO City of Gastronomy

9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
CM Credits: 4.5

In 2015, Tucson was designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy – the first such designation in the United States. Tucson, with
the longest agricultural history of any city in North America, has become an incubator for borderland cuisines and is working to
use its unique food culture in a variety of ways from economic development to addressing food insecurity. Dr. Jonathan Mabry,
one of Tucson’s most knowledgeable experts on this designation, will narrate aboard the bus as it travels to:

• Caridad Community Kitchen. Caridad Community Kitchen offers a culinary

and job skills training program for low-income or unemployed individuals and a
community meal program for the community’s hungry and homeless. Abby Rosen,
a chef and program instructor, will introduce the Community Kitchen to participants.

• Manzo Elementary School Garden. The school garden and ecology program,
which began in 2010, is integrated into the curriculum of every classroom. Tucson’s
school gardening movement sprouted from Manzo. Blue Baldwin, the ecology
coordinator of Manzo, will meet with participants.

• Mission Gardens. Mission Gardens is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran-

Desert-adapted heritage fruit trees, traditional local heirloom crops, and edible
native plants on a plot of land that’s been producing food for 4,000 years. At
the Mission Gardens, participants will meet Diana Hadley, retired director of the
Arizona State Museum’s Office of Ethnohistorical Research, who specializes in the
history of land use and ecological change in the southwestern U.S., as well as with
others who have been actively involved in this collaboration of the City, County,
University of Arizona, nonprofits, and businesses.

Heritage Lunch
While at the Mission Gardens, participants will enjoy a heritage lunch
catered by one of Tucson’s top chefs, Janos Wilder, a recipient of the
James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southwest (2000).

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 11, 2 019

Planning Ethics
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
CM/Ethics Credits: 1.50

Description: This participatory session will provide the

required refresher of the APA ethical principles and the AICP
Code of Ethics in a hopefully entertaining yet educational
manner.   Fabulous prizes - maybe. Come experience and
learn with two Planning Fellows.

Presenters: Arlan Colton, FAICP, Adjunct Lecturer,

University of Arizona, School of Landscape Architecture &
Planning; Sarah More, FAICP, Planning & Building Director,
Town of Sahuarita

Current Planning Law

10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
CM/Law Credits: 1.50

Description: This session will present a municipal attorney’s

view of laws pertaining to telecommunications, short-term
rentals, food trucks, signs, and other hot legal topics for
planners.

Presenters: Frank Cassidy, Town Attorney, Town of Marana

Keynote Lunch
12:00 – 1:15 p.m.

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 11, 2 019
Risks Related to Climate Change and
Reclamation in the Southwest
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Track: Environment | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: This session will focus on strategies to develop
climate resiliency through reclamation plans, urban planning
and landscape design.
Description: This session will focus on strategies to develop
climate resilient reclamation plans. Panelists will discuss
steps to build resilience, how reclamation efforts create
climate mitigation opportunities, and how urban planning
can complement these reclamation plans and promote
widespread adoption of resilient strategies across cities.  and Economic Development staff, working alongside
Through several examples of roadway and floodplain
projects, this session will illustrate how landscape architects
and planners transform disturbances caused by urban
development into opportunities to promote native ecology,
stormwater management, and public health.
Panelists: Alexandra Stoicof, Landscape Designer,
Wheat Design Group; Leslie Watson, Principal, Watson
Environmental; Philip Stoker, PhD, Assistant Professor, UA
College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture
MOBILE TOUR
Nature Meeting Urbanization
1:30 – 4:15 p.m.
2019
Establishing a Downtown Core District
Through Visioning, Zoning and Design
Guidelines
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Learn about the multi-faceted and collaborative
approach used to create a unique Downtown Core Zoning
District and Design Guidelines.
Description: With the momentum from the updated Town
Center Plan in 2017, the Town of Queen Creek transitioned
its planning efforts to create a special Downtown Core area
that reinforces the unique character of the Town. Planning
the community’s stakeholders, created a new Downtown
Core Zoning District and Design Guidelines to help guide
future development in the Downtown area. Both elements
were crafted in order to jumpstart new development in the
Downtown Core, help attract redevelopment of higher and
better uses, provide flexible development standards, and
create a unique, marquee destination.
Moderator: Jeffrey M. Denzak, Partner, Swaback, PLLC
Panelists: Jennifer Lindley, Downtown Development
Manager, Town of Queen Creek, Economic Development;
Kyle Barichello, AICP, Planner II, Town of Queen Creek,
Planning Division
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 11, 2 019
Incentivizing Infill Along Tucson’s Modern
Streetcar Route
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Track: Transportation | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Learn about the tools used and lessons learned
in Tucson’s quest for smart infill investment.
Description: Tucson has found a way to increase urban
densities with neighborhood involvement. The Modern
Streetcar and new development and redevelopment along
the streetcar route and nearby areas have changed the urban
model for Tucson significantly, and there are still additional
development opportunities to be realized. Infill development
strategies, however, are not without critics, especially those
concerned with historic preservation and gentrification.
Panelists will discuss the tools being used to carefully plan
increased land use intensities, strengthen the market for the
development of vacant and underutilized land, and improve
interconnectivity as well as the lessons learned.
Moderator: Koren Manning, Planning Administrator, City
of Tucson
Panelists: Tom Warne, Commercial Real Estate Developer/
Investor; Scott Clark, Director of Planning & Development
Services, City of Tucson; Michael Peel, Southern Arizona
Director, Local First Arizona and Local First Arizona
Foundation; Corky Poster, Owner and Principal Architect
and Planner, Poster Frost Mirto; Keri Silvyn, Partner, Law
Offices of Lazarus, Silvyn & Bangs, P.C.
2019
THRIVE IN THE 05:
A Collaboration of Three Initiatives for
the Transformation of Tucson’s Historic
Northern Gateway
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: How to leverage opportunities through
collaborative planning and doing to transform a once thriving
economic corridor.
Description: Tucson has had an unusual windfall of
“riches” focused on the 85705 zip code featuring Tucson’s
historic gateway. The windfall includes a $1.3 million HUD
Choice Neighborhood Planning grant and a Rose Fellowship
awarded to the City and a $1 million DOJ Crime Reduction
grant awarded to Arizona State University. The project
area “tells” a well-known story, i.e., a thriving route is
bypassed by the interstate, commercial activity declines, and
over time neighborhoods experience increased crime and
deterioration. Panelists will discuss their collaborative efforts
to address the challenges through a planning and doing
process that champions inclusivity.
Moderator: Alison Miller, Project Manager for the HUD
Choice Neighborhood Planning Initiative received by the
City of Tucson
Panelists: Mary Ellen Brown, Assistant Professor, School
of Social Work of the Watts College of Public Service and
Community Solutions, Arizona State University; Ian Roark, Vice
President of Workforce Development, Pima Community College;
Albert Elias, AICP, Assistant City Manager, City of Tucson;
Barbra Coffee, Director, City of Tucson Economic Initiatives
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 11, 2 019
Improving Health Through Planning:
Arizona’s Health Improvement Plan &
Assessment
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Track: Communities | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Learn about the health status of Arizonans and
how planners can help move forward the Arizona Health
Improvement Plan strategic actions to better connect the built
environment to community health.
Description: Where people live, learn, work, play, and
pray impact the health and wellbeing of Arizonans. In fact,
it is estimated social and economic elements and physical
environment contribute to almost 50% of the factors affecting
health whereas genes, biology, and clinical care account
for 20%. Health behaviors, which can be influenced by
our communities account for the remaining 30%. How can
a 13-mile difference lead to a 14-year difference in life
expectancy?
This session will share data from the recent State Health
Assessment and how improving the built environment is
featured in the Arizona Health Improvement Plan.
Moderator: Leslie Dornfeld, FAICP, Planner, PLAN*et
Communities
Panelists: Sheila Sjolander, Assistant Director, Public Health
Prevention Services, Arizona Department of Health Services;
Carla Berg, Chief Strategy Officer, Arizona Department of
Health Services; C. J. Eisenbarth Hager, Director, Healthy
Communities, Vitalyst Health Foundation
2019
Fast and Funny Planning Stories
THE GAME!
3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Audience members will hear other planners’
trials, bond over experiences, and learn some tips and tricks
for their job.
Description: This interactive session will group the audience
into teams to compete with other planners. The moderator
will pose questions, and teams will compete for “worst” or
“best” story. Audience members who prefer not to be on a
team may participate in the voting process. The team with the
most points will win a medal!
Questions may be similar to:
What was your worst public meeting experience?
What was the most unique project you have ever worked on?
What is the one planning story no one ever believes you tell?
Moderator: Jessica Sarkissian, AICP, LEED AP, Owner of
Upfront Planning & Entitlements, LLC
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 11, 2 019
Bike Your Community:
Creating a Roadmap for the Development
of a Community Relevant Bicycle Hub
3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Track: Transportation | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: The session introduces a tool to help diverse,
community-led partnerships utilize asset-based planning in
the creation of sustainable bicycle hubs.
Description: In this highly interactive session you will
be introduced to techniques to build bicycling resources,
programs, and environments that are tailored to the unique
culture of the communities that they serve. The replicable
model focuses on multi-sectoral partnerships interested in
embracing cycling for health promotion, transportation,
recreation, and as an economic driver. Digital stories created
by community members will highlight key points and stimulate
discussion and will introduce a planning exercise that can
help diverse coalitions envision their goals and examine the
opportunities available and the potential barriers they must
overcome to achieve success.
Moderator: Martha Moore-Monroy, MA, University of
Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
Panelists: Donna Lewandowski, Bicycle and Pedestrian
Program Coordinator, Arizona Department of Transportation;
Lily Williams, Outreach Manager, Desert Senita Community
Health Center
2019
Participatory Workshop:
What’s Impacting the Affordability of
New Homes?
3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Track: Communities| CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: How private developers/ homebuilders bring
new subdivisions to market and how various project costs
impact home pricing and affordability.
Description: Roll up your sleeves and join planners,
subdivision engineers, new housing analysts, and
homebuilders for a fast-paced, hands-on participatory
workshop on private sector costs of new community design.
Real project examples and costs are shared. This session
focuses on the importance of understanding what influences
costs and the role of cost control in community design, new
home construction and market affordability to buyers.
Moderator:
Priscilla Storm, Vice President, Diamond Ventures, Inc.
Panelists: Bill Carroll, Principal, Environmental Engineering
Consultants, EEC; Ginger Kneup, Owner, Bright Futures;
John Ward, Urban Environments (Formerly KB Homes); Justin
Smith, Project Manager, Lead Solutions (formerly Mattamy
Homes); David Godlewski, Southern Arizona Homebuilders;
Robert Tucker, Diamond Ventures, Inc.
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 11, 2 019
Opportunity Zones – What an Opportunity!
3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Participants will come away understanding this
the Opportunity Zone Law and how it can best be applied.
Description: This panel of experts will discuss the ins and
outs of Opportunity Zones! The discussion will focus on
how the tool is incentivizing investment and how investors
and municipalities are using the incentive to better economic
growth and development. The panel will offer advice
to industry professionals on how to attract this type of
development and how to best navigate these uncharted
waters. Recent case examples where both the land owner/
developer and the Municipality have successfully worked
together on O Zone projects will be discussed, as well as
advising on challenging obstacles. This will allow for a
ground-breaking and relevant discussion!
Moderator:
Alisse Caton, Land Use Planner, Rose Law Group pc
Panelists: Dan Gauthier, Esq., Rose Law Group pc; Robby
Richards, Manager/Principal, Phoenix Opportunity Fund,
LLC; Fernando Garcia, Economic Development Specialist,
City of Casa Grande
Opening Reception
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
AICP Trivia Night and Mixer
8:30 – 10:00 p.m.
2019
Planning for Resilience in the Face of
Climate Change and Changing Rainfall
Patterns
3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Track: Environment | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: The impacts of climate change and changing
rainfall patterns encompass existing infrastructure and future
developments. The first step in mitigation is analysis of
precipitation dynamics and runoff.
Description: The current hydrologic flood and flow estimates
rely on regional regression analyses, with few local hydrology
studies projecting future trends. These are all based on
looking backward at historical records, with no consideration
of changing weather patterns that are anticipated to occur
in Arizona’s future. Join a dialogue around planning and
water resource management in Arizona. This session will
focus on the impacts of climate change on water resources
and the roles planners and water resource professionals
have taken to adapt. Based on the APA Water and Planning
Connect Conference, this session will provide a “chance to
collaborate with others and brainstorm new, better ways to
manage water needs and respond to water crises”.
Moderator: Ladd Keith, Assistant Professor in Planning,
University of Arizona
Panelists: Bill O’Brien, Principal Engineer, President,
NextGen Engineering; Sara Harders, Assistant Engineer,
NextGen Engineering; Sandra Espinoza, Training and
Exercise Coordinator, Pima County Office of Emergency
Management; John Hayes, Santa Cruz County Floodplain
Manager, Santa Cruz County; Joshua Bednarek, Deputy
Director, Planning, City of Phoenix; Irene Ogata, Urban
Landscape Manager, Tucson Water, City of Tucson; JoAnn
Scordino, Community Planner, FEMA Region IX
W ed n es d a y , S e p 1 1 19
 2019
APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019

Mobile Tour
Bike the Loop
7:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Plenary Session
8:30 – 10:15 a.m.

Mobile Tour
Infill Along Tucson’s Streetcar Route
8:30 – 11:45 a.m.

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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019
Revitalizing Downtown: Transformation
and Activation of Public Spaces in
Albuquerque, NM, Phoenix, AZ, and
Chandler, AZ
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Attendees will learn about the development
of successful public spaces with three case studies, including
plaza, streetscape, and downtown redevelopment.
Description: What is a “heart of a city”? What makes
successful public space? What activates urban environments?
This exciting session will explore recent transformations of
civic spaces in the Southwest and outline how the designers
achieved successful pedestrian-scale development for these
vital core areas. Development of urban environments with a
true sense of place adds tremendous value to a community’s
economic, cultural, and environmental resilience. The
presenters will outline three case studies from Albuquerque,
New Mexico, and Chandler and Phoenix, Arizona, describing
how these communities have successfully revitalized their
downtown spaces.
Moderator: Aaron Allan, RLA, ASLA, J2 Engineering &
Environmental Design
Panelists: Jitka Dekojova, Associate Landscape Architect,
Dekker/Perich/Sabatini; Todd Briggs, Principal Landscape
Architect, TRUEFORM Landscape Architecture Studio; Jeffrey
Velasquez, Vice President and Principal Landscape Architect,
J2 Engineering & Environmental Design; Kim Moyers,
Downtown Redevelopment Manager, City of Chandler
2019
Transitioning Public Policies and
Regulations to Encourage Local Food
Production
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Environment | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Participants will be provided with tools to
advocate for and implement policies/regulations that support
local food production in their communities.
Description: What are the roles of the general plan and
zoning in the production of local food? Do your community’s
general plan policies and zoning regulations encourage or
discourage local food production?
The Maricopa County Food System Coalition recently
completed a Community Food Assessment. A critical element
of the Assessment was the analysis of how local general plan
policies and zoning regulations impact, both positively and
negatively, the production of and access to healthy food.
This session will describe how communities in Maricopa
County are transitioning local policies and regulations to be
more responsive to the needs of local food producers.
Moderator: Dean Brennan, FAICP, Policy Work Group,
Maricopa County Food System Coalition (MarCo)
Panelists: Maria Masque, Principal, Community and
Regional Planning, The Planning Center; Kenneth Steel,
Health Policy Analyst, Maricopa County Department of
Public Health
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019
How the Phoenix T2050 Mobility
Improvement Program is Enhancing
the Connection of Neighborhoods and
Services
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Transportation | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Session attendees will gain an inside
understanding of the Phoenix Mobility Improvement Program
and the likely outcome of the program.
Description: The  Phoenix T2050 Mobility Improvement
Program was established to enhance mobility, safety and
connectivity for all roadway users within a variety of Phoenix
area neighborhoods (Mobility Assessment Areas). The
purpose of the program is to identify and prioritize sidewalk,
bike facility, mid-block crossings, and other mobility-oriented
connections to neighborhood services and transit stops. Using
technical analysis and community and stakeholder input,
identified projects are considered for inclusion in a 5-Year
T2050 Mobility program for construction. This session will
provide a review of the Program life-cycle, program funding,
GIS analysis, public involvement, project prioritization, and a
case study of one neighborhood illustrating how this program
is improving the lives of Phoenix area residents.
Moderator: Kevin Kugler, AICP, Consultant Planning
Department Manager, Michael Baker International
Panelists: Brian Fellows, Principal Transportation Planner,
City of Phoenix Streets Transportation Department;
Joseph Perez, City of Phoenix Bicycle Coordinator, City of
Phoenix Streets Transportation Department; Brian Snider,
Transportation Planner, Michael Baker International; Caroline
Lobo, Hatcher Urban Business Alliance Chairperson, Hatcher
Urban Business Alliance
2019
Planning Opportunities and Challenges in
Southern Arizona’s Border Communities
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Communities | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Participants will take away a better
understanding of current challenges and opportunities in
border city planning.
Description: Mexico is Arizona’s #1 foreign trade partner
and Mexican visitors spend more than $7.3 million a day in
Arizona stores. Cities along the US-Mexico border play a
vital role as ports of entry to the rest of the state. Federal
policy changes and heightened national attention to the
border have brought additional challenges in planning
for cities on both sides of the US-Mexico border. Panelists
representing cities on the border will discuss the current
challenges and opportunities they face, including changes in
border security, binational infrastructure initiatives, and local
economic development efforts.
Moderator: Frank Dillon, Community Development
Director, Santa Cruz County
Panelists: Jose Antonio Guzman, Director of Planning
and Zoning, City of San Luis, David Carranza, Economic /
Community Development Director, City of Douglas
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019
Speed Date a Planner
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: Not Eligible for CM
Credit
If you are a student or new professional, this session is for
you! Come mix and mingle with some of Arizona’s best. This
is your opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with
experienced planning professionals in the public, private,
and non-profit sectors. If you are undecided about your
planning future, this is a great opportunity to network, as
questions, and to get resume input and career advice from
those working in the planning profession. It is also a great
way to meet new people and have some fun!
Awards Luncheon
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Legislative Update
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Participants will take away an understanding
of recent legislative acts and reoccurring proposals being
made in the Arizona Legislature and other state legislatures.
Description: An overview of the recent legislation to
planning and zoning of land in Arizona as well as trends
from proposed legislation in Arizona and the United States.
Panelists: Noel Griemsmann, AICP, Senior Urban Planner,
Snell & Wilmer; Tom Dorn, President, Dorn Policy Group
2019
The Connection Between Land Use and
Water Planning: Session 1 - The Evidence
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Track: Environment | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Learn evidence of how land use and water
resource planning can be coordinated to help resolve your
community’s water issues.
Description: Session 1 - The Evidence: As water
resources become scarcer and urban growth continues to
drive increasing water demand, the connection between
land use planning and water resource planning has been
suggested as a critical component for resolving this dilemma.
Yet the evidence to support how coordinating land use and
water planning can or cannot address this issue is limited.
These sessions (Evidence Session and Practice Session) will
examine the integration of land use and water resource
planning from the view of academic research and practical
experience. This evidence session will present recent research
related to the connection between land use planning and
water resource planning and how it supports or constrains
how land use planning can help resolve water resource
issues.
Moderator: Ray Quay, FAICP, Research Professional,
Decision Center for a Desert City a unit of the Julie Ann
Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State
University
Panelists: Philip Stoker, Assistant Professor of Planning and
Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019
Transforming Mobility in Tucson
Through Complete Streets, Community
Partnerships, and Innovative Project
Delivery
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Track: Transportation| CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Learn about Tucson’s Complete Streets
Initiative, Tactical Urbanism demonstrations, Pop-up Public
Engagement Activities, and Voter-Approved Bond Funding
for Key Projects.
Description: Tucson has several key initiatives underway
to help transition from an auto-dependent city to offering
various mobility options. This session will feature four
women, all working collaboratively to transform mobility and
information will be presented on:
• Tucson’s Complete Streets Policy and the development of a
Mobility Master Plan
• Inclusive public engagement strategies coordinated by
the Living Streets Alliance, a Tucson non-profit focused on
good street design
• ‘Lighter, quicker, cheaper’ demonstration projects
• Shared mobility offerings including Tugo Bike Share
• Tucson’s $225 million bond voters approved to improve
parks and construct key walking and bicycling connectors
Moderator: Arlie Adkins, Assistant Professor, University of
Arizona College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Architecture
Panelists: Jenn Mabry, AICP, Project Manager / Adjunct
Lecturer, City of Tucson Department of Transportation /
University of Arizona; Ann Chanecka, Special Projects
Manager, City of Tucson City Manager’s Office; Evren
Sonmez, Program Manager, Living Streets Alliance; Krista
Hansen, Lead Planner, City of Tucson Department of
Transportation
2019
Centering Equity in Planning Healthy
and Diverse Communities
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Track: Communities | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Participants will gain practical knowledge on
how to conduct radically inclusive outreach that reimagines
equitable transit-oriented development in a diverse
neighborhood.
Description: In 2015, Phoenix City Council approved
ReinventPHX, a community-based vision with a set of action
plans for a transit-oriented model for development along the
city’s light rail system. Through radically inclusive outreach
that centered health and equity, Phoenix’s global diversity
was highlighted as an important asset to protect. In 2016,
the semi-annual Phoenix World Bazaar & Community
Market was launched as a celebration of immigrant and
refugee business owners and makers. This project stands
out as a powerful cross-partner collaboration between 9+
stakeholders committed to preserving equity amid increasing
gentrification along Phoenix’s light rail system. This session
will feature the story of the ReinventPHX master planning
effort, presented by the key stakeholders.
Moderator: Anna Darian, Storytelling Coach and owner
at Story Boss Nation
Panelists: Kimber Lanning, Founder and Executive Director
of Local First Arizona; Lisa Huggins-Hubbard, Neighborhood
Specialist, City of Phoenix; C.J. Eisenbarth Hager, Director,
Healthy Communities, Vitalyst Health Foundation; Krista Roy,
Neighborhood Specialist, City of Phoenix
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019
Cobre Valley CHEER: 5-4-3 Framework
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: The Cobre Valley CHEER 5-4-3 Framework
session delves into the five principles, four recommendations,
and three sites proposed for the area.
Description: This session will focus on the development
of a framework for Cobre Valley, Arizona. The vision for
the Cobre Valley CHEER 5-4-3 Framework was to foster
healthy communities with sustainable economic growth
through an environmental lens. This project aims to provide
a guide for the improvement of the area through a three-
pronged approach: understanding the existing challenges
and opportunities; proposing social, physical, and economic
connections; and prioritizing an implementation process.
Moderator: Arlie Adkins, Assistant Professor, University of
Arizona College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape
Architecture
Panelists: Ashley Hullinger, Research Analyst, Water
Resources Research Center (WRRC) at the University of
Arizona; Monica Landgrave-Serrano, PhD Candidate,
University of Arizona; Emma Thompson, Urban Planner, The
Planning Center
2019
The Connection Between Land Use and
Water Planning: Session 2 - The Practice
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Track: Environment | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Learn practice of how land use and water
resource planning can be coordinated to help resolve your
community’s water issues.
Description: Session 2 – The Practice: As water
resources become scarcer and urban growth continues to
drive increasing water demand, the connection between
land use planning and water resource planning has been
suggested as a critical component for resolving this dilemma.
Yet the evidence to support how coordinating land use and
water planning can or cannot address this issue is limited.
These sessions (Evidence Session and Practice Session) will
examine the integration of land use and water resource
planning from the view of academic research and practical
experience. This practice session will present the viewpoint
of urban planners that have been actively engaged in
bridging land use and water resource planning and what
the opportunities and barriers are for helping resolve water
resource issues. There will also be an open discussion among
a panel of academic researchers and practitioners with
audience engagement.
Moderator: Ray, Quay, FAICP, Research Professional,
Decision Center for a Desert City a unit of the Julie Ann
Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State
University
Panelists: Jim Holway, FAICP, Director of Babbitt Center for
Land Use and Water Policy
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:
Lessons on Navigating a Professional
Planning Career from Some Arizona
“Senior” Planners
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Participants will learn from the experiences of
senior planners and be able to apply to their careers the
lessons learned from the past.
Description: There’s an old adage that “you can’t teach old
dogs new tricks”. Well maybe, but you can certainly learn
from the experiences, mistakes, and successes of planners
with 30+ years of experience. Join us for an informal, fun,
and informative session that is bound to be entertaining.
Listen to the stories from some Arizona planners who have
seen it all, indeed the good, the bad, and the ugly of local
government planning. Be prepared to engage with the
panelists and learn from their past experiences so you can
build on their successes and not repeat their mistakes.
Moderator: Roger E. Eastman, AICP, Director, Development
Codes and Planning, Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc.
Panelists: Jon Vlaming, Community Development Director,
City of Eloy; Jerry Stabley, AICP, Planning Manager, City
of Eloy; Jim Cronk, Planning Director, City of Flagstaff;
Margo Wheeler, FAICP, Faculty/Lecturer, Northern Arizona
University and Chair, Flagstaff Planning and Zoning
Commission
2019
Planning for a Driverless Future
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Track: Transportation | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Develop a familiarity with new transportation
technologies, innovation on the horizon, and the challenges
they present from a municipal planning perspective.
Description: This session will evaluate and discuss how
the major American metropolitan areas are addressing the
challenges brought on by the rapid evolution in the means
and modes of transportation. Driverless cars, ridesharing,
rentable bikes and electric scooters, and advances in
public transit are drastically changing the way municipal
planning departments address parking, traffic, and public
infrastructure. We will look at how cities are addressing these
disruptive forces to pave the way for the next generation of
development and facilitate building cities of the 21st century.
Moderator: Jason B. Morris, Esq., Land Use Attorney,
Withey Morris, PLC
Panelists: Benjamin L. Tate, Land Use Attorney, Withey
Morris, PLC; George Pasquel, III, Planning Consultant,
Withey Morris, PLC
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 2019
APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

CONCURRENT SESSIONS
T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 12 , 2 019
Getting the Data You Need Quickly Density, Design and the Bottom Line
and Easily Homebuilder Decision Making:
3:30 – 4:45 p.m. An Unfiltered Discussion
Track: Communities | CM Credits: 1.25 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: A demonstration of free interactive map
viewers with statewide Census, employer, and schools’ data, Take-Away: Insight regarding factors that influence
custom maps, reports, and analysis. homebuilder decision making and how public planners and
private developers can each achieve their goals.
Description: With
just a few clicks of the Description: Homebuilders and city planners often find
mouse, you can easily
themselves at odds. Squaring off over setbacks and lot
get demographic
coverage, detached sidewalks and street widths. Why would
data from the Census
a builder process an entire zoning case to modify interior
Bureau, information
garage dimensions? This session will provide insightful
about employers,
and unfiltered perspectives into the most noteworthy issues
or the latest school
performance measures all using the Maricopa Association homebuilders face during the entitlement and design
of Governments interactive map viewers. MAG staff will review process, as well as a peek behind the curtain of the
demonstrate how to use these viewers to get data from the corporate land acquisition and project approval process.
American Community Survey, MAG Statewide Employer With perspectives from deeply experienced homebuilders
Database, and AZ Department of Education. You can use and master planned community developers, this informal
these tools to create custom maps, reports, and analysis that panel is intended to generate a lively, free-flowing discussion.
will fit seamlessly into your reports and presentations for
whatever project you’re working on.   Moderator: Susan E. Demmitt, Land Use Attorney,
Gammage & Burnham, PLC
Moderator: Scott Wilken, AICP, Senior Planning Project
Manager, Maricopa Association of Governments Panelists: Shannon Francoeur, Vice President of Land
Acquisition and Development, Taylor Morrison / Arizona,
Inc.; Jill Hegardt, AICP, Vice President of Entitlements, DMB,
Planners’ Bazaar Inc.
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Great food and drink and exhibits by conference sponsors.

This evening will include dinner and two drink tickets with
registration.

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 2019
APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

F R I DAY, S E P T E M B E R 13 , 2 019

APA Arizona Annual Business Meeting

7:45 – 8:45 a.m.

All members are encouraged to attend this meeting, where you’ll learn about the board’s role in managing APA Arizona.

Mobile Tour
Tucson: UNESCO City of
Gastronomy.
9:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Fr i d a y, S e p 1 3 28

APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
F R I DAY, S E P T E M B E R 13 , 2 019
Development Outcomes to Transit:
National and Arizona Perspectives
9:00 -10:15 a.m.
Track: Transportation | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Participants will gain insight into transit’s
effects on economic development, population and housing
patterns, and on social equity
Description: For the first time since the end of WWII, transit
ridership is increasing faster than automobile ridership.
Dozens of American metropolitan areas have invested
in light rail transit (LRT), bus rapid transit (BRT), commuter
rail transit (CRT) and streetcar transit (SCT). But there has
been no systematic research into the extent to which these
fixed guideway transit (FGT) systems influence development
patterns. This session will report national research into FGT
system development outcomes, and will also report findings
for Phoenix’s LRT and BRT systems as well as Tucson’s SCT
system. Lessons for transit and land use planning will be
offered.
Moderator: Dr. Arthur C. Nelson, FAICP, Professor of
Planning and Real Estate Development, University of Arizona
Panelists: Dr. Kristina Currans, Assistant Professor of
Planning, University of Arizona; Robert Hibberd, Doctoral
Graduate Assistant in Planning and Geography, University
of Arizona
2019
Patagonia, The Nature Conservancy and
CRS: A Brief Case Study on the Benefits of
Protected Open Space Within Town Limits
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Track: Environment | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: This session will provide a local example
of the multiple benefits of the Community Rating System
(CRS) Program; provided by protecting open space within
a community, and how conservation organizations and
local government can partner to provide tangible benefits
to residents.
Description: In 2018 the Town of Patagonia successfully
qualified for the Community Rating System (CRS) program.
CRS is a National Flood Insurance Program voluntary program
for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain
management activities that exceed minimum NFIP standards.
The major factor in gaining enough “points” to qualify was
recognition of The Nature Conservancy’s property in town
as open space in the Open Space Preservation activity of
the CRS program. Creative partnerships were a significant
contributing factor in achieving this recognition and success.
This project has broadened local awareness on not only
how much of the Town is within the Special Flood Hazard
Area but also how much of this area is currently held in open
space and the multiple benefits this provides the community.
Moderator: Ian Wan, NextGen Engineering
Panelists: Damian Rawoot, Land & Water Protection
Manager, The Nature Conservancy; Murphy Musick,
Community Rating System Coordinator, Town of Patagonia;
Greg Saxe, Pima County’s NFIP Community Rating System
Coordinator
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
F R I DAY, S E P T E M B E R 13 , 2 019
“Be Prepared” AICP Exam Preparation
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Take-Away: Obtain a clear overview of the AICP exam
process, exam tips, and exam content.
Description: The taking of the AICP exam is one of the most
important professional steps for a planner. It is a complex
process and can be a difficult exam. The session will provide
an overview of the process and what to expect on the AICP
exam. The AICP moderator will provide tips on taking the
exam. Two recent AICP exam takers will share their experience
on preparation and taking the exam.
Presenters: Jerry Stabley, AICP, and Barbara Becker, FAICP
2019
Mobile Home Parks, RV Parks, and
the Future of Affordable Housing:
Highlighting the Project Cities
Program in Apache Junction
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: This session highlights
recommendations for affordable housing demand
and mobile home community needs through zoning
and development in Apache Junction.
Description: In 2018, ASU’s Project Cities and
the City of Apache Junction partnered to examine
several critical issues. One of these projects
focused on the challenges and opportunities in the
city’s mobile home communities, which comprise
approximately 50% of the city’s housing stock.
These communities provide valuable affordable
housing, but many are non-conforming and current
conditions raise concerns for residents and the
city alike. This session will highlight the Project
Cities partnership with Apache Junction, as well
as forward-looking recommendations for how to
respond to affordable housing demand and mobile
home community needs through innovative zoning
and development.
Moderator: Meagan Ehlenz, PH.D., AICP,
Assistant Professor, School of Geographical
Sciences & Urban Planning, Arizona State University
Panelists: Steven Russell, Program Manager,
Project Cities, Sustainable Cities Network,
Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State
University; Rudy Esquivias, Senior Planner/Zoning
Administrator, City of Apache Junction; Maggie
Dellow, Program Manager, University Affairs,
Arizona State University
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APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
F R I DAY, S E P T E M B E R 13 , 2 019
Advancing What Matters Most to
Arizonans: The Arizona We Want
Progress Meters
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Environment | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Participants will be able to use Progress
Meters for their own communities.
Description: The Arizona We Want Progress Meters are
an evolving, dynamic tool to measure the priorities that
Arizonans identified of critical importance to the future of the
state. The metrics were carefully considered and included the
following criteria: easily understood; supported by publicly
available, trusted, and regularly updated data; and useful as
a guidepost for assessing policy and practice. The Progress
Meters, listed below, may evolve over time with the input of
Arizona’s leaders, communities, and technical experts.
• Jobs
• Education
• Young Talent
• Health & Well-Being
• Natural Resources
• Infrastructure
• Civic Participation
• Connected Communities
Moderator: Evelyn Casuga, Director, Community &
Economic Prosperity, Center for the Future of Arizona
Panelists: Ian Dowdy, AICP, Director, Progress Meters,
Center for the Future of Arizona; Kristi Tate, Director, Civic
Health Initiatives, Center for the Future of Arizona
2019
Planning Directors’ Roundtable –
Directors from the Four Largest Arizona
Cities Talk About Challenges and Issues
Facing Them
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Participant will gain an understanding of
planning directors’ roles in major cities and the issues and
challenges these positions face.
Description: This session is a discussion by the planning
directors of Arizona’s four largest cities. The directors will
discuss the challenges and issues facing planning directors
and their departments. They will talk about how they handle
day-to-day crises, how they supervise their staff, how they
deal with complicated political issues and what they see
as major accomplishments of their department and major
problems they have to deal with in their critical positions of
their city’s government.
Moderator: Jim Mazzocco, AICP
Panelists: Scott Clark, Acting Planning and Development
Services Director, City of Tucson; Randy Grant, Planning
Director, City of Scottsdale; Nana Appiah, Ph.D., Planning
Director/Zoning Administrator, City of Mesa; Alan
Stephenson, Planning Director, City of Phoenix
Fr i d a y , S e p 1 3 31

APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
F R I DAY, S E P T E M B E R 13 , 2 019
Border Downtown Reuse and
Revitalization: Partnerships for Housing,
Public Health and Economic Development
in Nogales, Arizona
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Communities | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: Explore the challenges and successes in
developing multi-sector collaborations in rural areas for
historic reuse and downtown revitalization.
Description: Historic property reuse and revitalization
efforts in rural communities today require multi-sector
public-private collaborations. We describe our decades-
long partnership building effort that integrates affordable
housing, public health and economic development services
in Nogales, Arizona. We explore the adaptive reuse of a
historic building for affordable housing and redevelopment
of a historic warehouse building for co-housing public health
and small business innovation services. These projects are
also aligned with a downtown community market and
community kitchen that assists small business owners in
launching products and services that capitalize upon the
region’s economic strengths in fresh produce.
Moderator: Angie Donelson, AICP, Ph.D., President,
Donelson Consulting LLC
Panelists: Nils Urman, Program Coordinator – Pima
County One-Stop Center, and Executive Director, Nogales
Community Development Corporation; Patty Molina, Senior
Director,  Mariposa Community Health Center Inc.; Frank
Dillon, Assistant City Manager / Planning and Development
Director, City of Nogales
2019
Revitalizing Downtowns through Public/
Private Partnerships
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: New possibilities for development incentives
and code implementation ideas to achieve what the
municipality and the developer wants, downtown success.
Description: Public/Private Partnerships in developing
downtowns can incentivize and spur new growth and
development. This session focusses on the Downtown areas
of Gilbert and Phoenix and will go over the original obstacles
and ways they overcame them to become two of the biggest
hotspots for development in educational and commercial
investment in the valley. You will hear from City staff and
developers who came together to continue to invest and
find new creative ways to implement code and incentives to
keep momentum going, creating the nightlight and weekend
activity they had always hoped for.
Moderator: Jessica Sarkissian, AICP, LEED AP, Upfront
Planning & Entitlements, LLC
Panelists: Rick Naimark, Associate Vice President for
Program Development Planning, Arizona State University;
Eric Johnson, AICP, Deputy Economic Development Director,
City of Phoenix; Dan Henderson, CeCD, Director of Economic
Development, Town of Gilbert; David Sellers, President/
CEO, LGE Design Build
Fr i d a y , S e p 1 3 32

APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
F R I DAY, S E P T E M B E R 13 , 2 019
The Future of Autonomous and Connected
Vehicles – What Are Arizonans Thinking?
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Track: Transportation | CM Credits: 1.25
Take-Away: This session will help planners anticipate the
impact of AV/CV in community and transportation planning.
Description: An Autonomous Vehicle and Connected
Vehicle (AV/CV) transportation system appears inevitable.
Much of the discussion about AV/CV focuses on the auto
technology, but what about the planning and policies that
will be critical for success? Arizona Forward held a series of
discussions around the state of Arizona, designed to bring
together community leaders to explore the opportunities and
impacts from AV and CV. Sessions were held in Flagstaff,
Phoenix and Tucson, and at the Rural Transportation Summit,
with the goal of developing a baseline of how communities
are considering AV/CV in their current planning process,
and to evaluate how this baseline differs around the state.
Moderator: Jennifer Pyne, Deputy Director, Corridor
Planning, Valley Metro
Panelists: Dayna Wasley, Transportation Planner,
AECOM; David Skinner, Area Operations Manager, HDR;
Lori Singleton, Executive Director, Arizona Forward
2019
Lean in to Lead Luncheon
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Track: Nuts and Bolts | CM Credits: 1
Location: The Last Territory Restaurant
(on El Conquistador Property outside main building)
Join us after the conference for lunch at this popular post-
conference function.  Sit with planning colleagues and leaders
in the field who will share their personal lessons learned,
ethical issues encountered, good bosses, bad bosses, state
and national conference anecdotes, achievements, and
obstacles in the field. The purpose of the session is to learn
from each other about past planning in Arizona and the
opportunities for every planner to lead in Arizona’s planning
future. This is a fun and interactive session where you can
participate as much or as little as you like.  Quiz the group
about their career journey, past projects, pontifications and
purpose.
Separate registration fee is required, and this fun
event is open to all.
Fr i d a y, S e p 1 3 33
 2019
APA ARIZONA STATE PLANNING CONFERENCE

a n k
Th You!
for attending the
2 019 A PA A r i z o n a S t a t e
Planning Conference

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