The Land Development Podcast with Ryan Glick

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Howard Cohen, Managing Partner at Schwartz, Page & Harding, joins Ryan to explain how Texas municipal utility districts (MUDs) are formed, how infrastructure financing works, and when developers get reimbursed through bond sales. They also discuss developer risk, MUD tax rates, and the role special districts play in building new communities. All links and resources mentioned during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan Glick and Charles Covey discuss the 13.9 million homes expected to hit the market as older generations age, new FHA financing eligibility for build-to-rent communities, and falling consumer confidence as buyers pull back from the housing market. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-boomers-set-to-free-up-13-9-million-homes-fha...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Carter Malloy, Founder and CEO of Acres, joins Ryan Glick to discuss how AI is changing land development. They cover practical ways developers can use AI for research, site selection, and due diligence, along with its limitations and the importance of human judgment. All links and resources mentioned during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-ai-is-changing-land-development-with-carter-ma...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Why do good employees leave good companies? Executive coach and leadership advisor Allison Williams joins Ryan Glick to discuss employee retention, hiring decisions, leadership development, and succession planning in the homebuilding and land development industries. All links and resources mentioned during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-good-employees-leave-land-development-companies...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Nick Erickson joins Ryan Glick to discuss the housing shortage, land use and zoning reform, permitting, and the role local, state, and federal governments play in housing development. They also discuss why housing has become a major political issue and what developers should understand about the policy process. All links and resources mentioned during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/what-...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan Glick and Charles Covey start with mortgage rates moving back above 7% and what the latest numbers look like across different housing markets. They also discuss Secretary Scott Turner’s comments from the Innovative Housing Showcase and whether new approaches to manufactured housing could help lower costs. Next, they talk about cities eliminating parking minimums and what that could open up for development and infill projects. Ryan and ...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Mustafa Abdul-Jabbar joins Ryan to explain how Texas special districts and public-private partnerships help finance infrastructure and support land development. They discuss MUDs, development costs, housing affordability, risk, and what other markets can learn from the Texas model. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-special-districts-make-development-work-with-dr-mustafa-abdul-jabbar-tlp192 Episode Sponsor: ...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. John Friedrich joins Ryan to discuss financing land development projects, what lenders look for in a deal, and where projects can run into trouble between acquisition and finished lot delivery. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/what-lenders-look-for-in-land-deals-with-john-friedrich-tlp191 Listen on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-land-development-podcast-with-r...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles Covey discuss the Fed's latest rate increase and what it could mean for housing, state efforts to expand factory-built housing, and new permit deadlines designed to speed up development. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-fed-raises-rates-states-bet-on-factory-built-housing-and-florida-speeds-up-permits-tlp190 Find us ...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Andrew Cramer, principal at Bridgeview Asset Management, joins Ryan to discuss manufactured home communities, from acquiring and expanding existing parks to creating more attainable paths to homeownership. They also cover development challenges, working with municipalities, due diligence, and opportunities for land developers in manufactured housing. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/the-opportunity-in-manufact...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan sits down with real estate attorney Niv V. Davidovich to discuss the legal challenges developers and property owners face, especially in Southern California. Niv explains why legal counsel should be involved from day zero, how local regulations can change a project, and why developers need to make decisions based on the numbers rather than emotion. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/avoiding-costly-legal-mi...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Construction needs hundreds of thousands of new workers, but will people or robots fill the gap? Ryan and Charles also look at where home prices are heading, how tariffs are raising costs for builders, and why those tariffs are becoming increasingly unpopular ahead of the midterm elections. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-home-price...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Water can make or break a land development deal, especially in Colorado and the Mountain West. Ryan sits down with water resource broker Sean Flanagan to break down water rights, due diligence, water availability, and what developers should understand before buying land. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-water-rights-can-make-or-break-a-development-with-sean-flanagan-tlp186 Episode Sponsor: Groov, the platf...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan sits down with Mark Khuri, co-founder and CEO of SMK Capital Management, to break down what experienced investors look for before putting money into a real estate deal. Mark shares the red flags that can kill a deal, how developers can build investor trust, and lessons from reviewing hundreds of investment opportunities each year. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/what-investors-look-for-before-funding-a-r...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles discuss the growth of office-to-apartment conversions, the local opposition putting billions of dollars in data center projects at risk, and the rise of mass timber construction. They dig into what each trend means for developers, communities, and future projects. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-office-conversions-q...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Lee Farris, President and CEO of The Landwell Company, shares how his civil engineering experience prepared him for a career in land development and his work on the 2,200-acre Cadence master-planned community. He talks about building strong relationships, keeping housing attainable, maintaining standards over a long project, and creating communities where people want to stay. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/b...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Environmental project managers Danielle Vail and Sarah Johnson from Kimley-Horn join Ryan to discuss why environmental due diligence should begin before land is purchased. They discuss wetlands, protected species, permitting timelines, and how developers can avoid costly delays. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-environmental-due-diligence-matters-with-danielle-vail-sarah-johnson-tlp182 Episode Sponso...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles discuss the delayed lumber tariff relief, the latest new home sales data from Zonda, and why the nation's largest builders continue gaining market share. They also talk about affordability, builder incentives, and what these trends could mean for the future of homebuilding. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-lumber-tar...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan sits down with Jay Knight, author of “Zoned Out: How Cities and Counties Make Homes Unaffordable,” to discuss why housing has become harder to afford and how zoning, regulations, and permitting delays impact the cost of homes. Jay shares what communities can do to create more housing options for the people who live and work there. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-cities-and-counties-make-homes-unaffor...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Affordable housing expert Kevin Day joins Ryan to discuss why manufactured housing deserves a second look. They cover the challenges of today's housing market, zoning barriers, financing tools, and how modern manufactured home communities could help create more attainable homeownership. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/future-of-manufactured-housing-with-kevin-day-tlp179 Join other developers in our land devel...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles dig into three industry stories: the growing use of land banking, the latest housing starts data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and recent housing reform wins that could help speed up development across several states. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-land-banking-hits-41-apartment-starts-surge-and-states-push-housing-...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Many developers think USDA financing is only for farms and ranches. Jordan Blanchard explains how USDA Rural Development loan programs can help finance hotels, industrial projects, mixed-use developments, and other commercial projects in qualifying rural communities. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-usda-rural-development-loans-work-with-jordan-blanchard-tlp177 Join other developers in our land development...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Colby Cox shares how Convergence Communities approaches master planned developments by focusing on connection, thoughtful design, and long-term value. He also explains the challenges facing housing affordability and the ideas his team is testing to make homeownership more accessible. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-great-neighborhoods-dont-happen-by-accident-with-colby-cox-tlp176 Episode Sponsor: First Co...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles dig into four land development and housing topics, including a new federal housing bill, housing inventory trends, the growing cost gap between renting and buying, and a major redevelopment of a former military base. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-housing-bill-buying-vs-renting-former-military-land-tlp175 Episode S...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Charles Tofferi joins Ryan to discuss why developers should involve contractors earlier, how better communication leads to better projects, and what separates great contractor relationships from costly ones. He also shares lessons from the field and practical advice for successful site development. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/pre-construction-lessons-every-developer-should-know-with-charles-tofferi-tlp174...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Land use attorney and DarrowEverett partner Kelley Morris Salvatore joins Ryan to discuss how developers can work more effectively with municipalities, avoid common approval mistakes, and navigate today's housing development challenges. She shares lessons from nearly 30 years in land use law, along with insights gained from working on both the public and private sides of development. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/p...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles break down the latest U.S. Census housing report, falling builder confidence, and what Kevin Warsh's first Federal Reserve meeting signals for interest rates and the housing market moving forward. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-multifamily-pullback-builders-cut-prices-whats-next-for-rates-tlp172 Want even more insi...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Dan Grosswald, Division President of Southeast Florida at Mattamy Homes, joins Ryan to discuss what it takes to build successful master-planned communities. From walkable neighborhoods and community activation to leadership, planning, and long-term vision, Dan shares lessons learned from decades in homebuilding and development. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-community-matters-more-than-the-house-with-dan...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Jerry Pesick joins the podcast to break down eminent domain, property tax appeals, and how developers can protect themselves when government projects affect their property. He shares lessons from more than 40 years of valuation litigation and explains what property owners should do before accepting an offer. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/eminent-domain-explained-for-developers-with-jerry-pesick-tlp170 Episo...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles break down Berkshire Hathaway’s $8.5 billion acquisition of Taylor Morrison, discuss new construction trends across the country, and review the latest housing market data showing buyers gaining leverage in many major metros. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-berkshire-homebuilding-buyer-market-tlp169 Want even more in...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Natalie Jelavich, Executive Vice President at Marques General Engineering, joins the podcast to discuss leadership, company growth, building strong teams, and the lessons she's learned over 22 years in construction. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/leadership-lessons-from-22-years-in-construction-natalie-jelavich-tlp168 This episode was recorded in partnership with Ladies in Land, a national organization dedic...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Alek Pedersen shares his path from studying design in Italy and working on development projects across Scandinavia to leading industrial development efforts in Texas. He discusses zoning, entitlements, city incentives, and what developers can learn from different approaches to land use around the world. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/norway-vs-texas-real-estate-development-alek-pedersen-tlp167 We recently la...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles Covey dig into the Road to Housing Act, discuss Wells Fargo's new mortgage incentives for 3D printed homes, and discuss how immigration enforcement continues to affect the construction workforce. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-housing-bill-3d-homes-construction-labor-tlp166 Want even more insightful land deve...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Nathan Cox shares how his time in the Marines influenced the way he leads and grows 68 Ventures. Ryan and Nathan talk about leadership, scaling a development company, building trust, and why forcing a bad real estate deal can cost you years. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/the-long-game-in-real-estate-development-with-nathan-cox-tlp165 Episode Sponsor: Maverick Water Group is a trusted water partner to some o...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Victoria Fitch joins Ryan to talk about the future of housing, land acquisition, and why smaller, denser communities are becoming the new normal. They also discuss consumer behavior and how developers can stay competitive in today’s market. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-higher-density-housing-matters-with-victoria-fitch-tlp164 Episode Sponsor: Groov Lot Management Software - Groov helps local and region...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Would you let a tech company put a mini data center on your home? And did Trump’s comments completely miss what Americans are dealing with financially? Ryan and Charles get into that, the latest housing numbers, and more in this industry news episode. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-trump-comments-stir-debate-ai-homes-raise-question...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Doug French, CEO of Stylecraft Builders, joins Ryan to talk about growing a family homebuilding business into a top 60 homebuilder in the United States. They discuss attainable housing, leadership, development strategy, and what it takes to scale a company while building a strong team. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/what-it-takes-to-grow-a-production-homebuilding-company-with-doug-french-tlp162 Episode Spons...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan sits down with Monaca Onstad to talk about what actually makes a community feel like home. Monaca shares how she got into placemaking and what she’s learned working with developers across the country. They get into simple ways to bring people together, even in smaller communities or with tighter budgets. A big takeaway is why the overall feel of a neighborhood can matter more than the house itself. If you’re in land development, this o...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles talk through a big energy code change, where interest rates are headed, and what builders are seeing in the latest housing data. They also dig into the buzz around the White House ballroom project. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-energy-rule-reversed-fed-split-rates-white-house-ballroom-mystery-tlp160 We recently la...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Nick Arenson joins the show to talk through how large master planned communities are built and how they evolve over time. He shares insights on managing risk, planning infrastructure, and balancing lot sales with homebuilding. The conversation also covers how market shifts and capital impact development decisions. It’s a practical look at what it really takes to execute projects at scale. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast....

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan sits down with Russ Seamon, president of SeamonWhiteside, to talk about his career in land development and his approach to leadership. They discuss how the company has grown over time, why culture matters, and what it takes to build strong teams. Russ also shares his thoughts on communication, working with developers, and setting projects up for success. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/building-culture-w...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles break down how global conflict, AI trends, and state tax policies are impacting the land development industry. They share what these shifts mean for deals, developers, and the market as a whole. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-rising-inflation-iran-conflict-ai-homebuying-red-blue-tax-divide-tlp157 We recently launch...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Chuck Marohn joins the show to break down the Strong Towns approach to growth, explaining why many cities struggle financially and how better decisions around infrastructure, housing, and development can lead to stronger communities. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/strong-towns-approach-smart-growth-chuck-marohn-tlp156 We recently launched a free platform for The Land Development Podcast community. Inside you...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Lara Diettrich joins the show to talk about her path into planning, what developers often get wrong, and how to approach projects the right way from day one. She shares her lessons from working across public, private, and military projects. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/lessons-public-private-sector-development-lara-diettrich-tlp155 We recently launched a free platform for The Land Development Podcast commu...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. This week, Ryan and Charles break down a growing housing mismatch, rising gas prices, and how global conflict could impact the market. They share what these trends mean for developers and what to watch in the months ahead. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-boomers-hold-the-homes-fuel-prices-jump-and-iran-conflict-uncertainty-tlp154 We...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Eric Bakey joins the show to talk about getting started in land development and what it takes to move a deal all the way through. We cover his first major project, working with cities, and dealing with community pushback. Show notes for this episode: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-land-deals-are-harder-than-they-look-eric-bakey-tlp153 We recently launched a free platform for The Land Development Podcast community. Inside you'll find...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan sits down with Ashley Tison, founder of OZ Pros, to discuss how Opportunity Zones can be used by developers to improve returns and reduce tax burden. Ashley explains how these deals work, what types of development projects qualify, and how developers can structure them the right way from the start. They also cover common mistakes developers make, how Opportunity Zones can enhance solid deals, and why more developers are shifting toward...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan and Charles discuss the latest housing bill, where government housing money is actually going, and why younger buyers are waiting longer to purchase homes. They also cover how debt and interest rates are impacting today’s market. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/industry-news-housing-bill-reality-check-where-hud-money-goes-and-why-buyers-are-...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Archaeologist Jason Chambers joins Ryan to explain how archaeology fits into land development projects. They talk about what happens when artifacts or human remains are discovered, how developers can plan ahead, and why understanding cultural resources matters. We recently launched a free platform for The Land Development Podcast community. Inside you'll find masterclass videos with developers, curated industry news, and a growing library o...

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics. Ryan sits down with Phil Stuepfert, Principal and Vice President at HR Green, to talk about the process behind land planning and entitlements. Phil shares lessons from nearly 30 years in the industry, including how to work with cities, neighbors, and developers to move projects forward. Show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/what-it-takes-to-plan-a-successful-development-with-phil-stuepfert-tlp149 Find us on Apple Podcasts: htt...