Metropolitan Pima Alliance

CANCELLED Virtual Public Policy Committee - Mid-year Policy Update
2020-09-22 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix)
Join MPA and other engaged members to learn more about public policy and process issues facing the development community in Southern Arizona. Our Policy Committee meets monthly and features a new topic of discussion along with exploring ongoing issues. This meeting is open to ALL MPA Members. The link to join the meeting will be sent out the morning of September 22nd, to those who have registered.

Virtual Monthly Membership Breakfast - Town Managers of Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita Updates
2020-09-18 08:00 - 09:00
The 3rd Friday of every month, MPA hosts a breakfast open to members and future members. These informative and educational breakfasts can be presentations, panel discussions, debates or forums. Topics cover relevant issues of interest to our community, as they relate to the land use and development industry. September’s Breakfast is a presentation from the Town Managers of Marana, Sahuarita and Oro Valley on the jurisdiction’s 2021 FY plans, priorities and budgets. A focus of the presentation will be on the recently passed budgets and how the decrease in revenue collection will impact the jurisdictions operations and services. The link to join the meeting will be sent out the evening of the 17th, to those who have registered. Registration ends at 5 PM on September 17th, 2020.

Membership Committee
2020-08-27 08:30 - 21:30, 2020-06-25 08:30 - 21:30, 2020-05-28 08:30 - 21:30, 2020-04-23 08:30 - 21:30 | Diamond Ventures, 2200 E River Rd. Suite 115, Tucson, AZ, 85718, United States
This is the monthly meeting of MPA’s Membership Committee. This committee brainstorms new ways to increase member retention, involvement and how to recruit new members to join our organization.
This committee is always looking for new attendees who want to build relationships with other members. The Membership Committee is open to all employees of MPA member companies and organizations.
Interested in joining? Contact MPA Staff!

Virtual Public Policy Committee - Mid-year Update
2020-08-25 16:00 - 17:00
Join MPA and other engaged members to learn more about public policy and process issues facing the development community in Southern Arizona. Our Policy Committee meets monthly and features a new topic of discussion along with exploring ongoing issues. This meeting is open to ALL MPA Members. The link to join the meeting will be sent out the morning of August 25th, to those who have registered.

Virtual Monthly Membership Breakfast - City of Tucson and Pima County Update
2020-08-21 08:00 - 09:00
August’s Breakfast is a presentation from City and County leadership on the jurisdiction’s 2021 FY plans, priorities and budgets. A focus of the presentation will be on the recently passed budgets and how the decrease in revenue collection will impact the two jurisdictions operations and services. Member tickets: $10Non-Member tickets: $15The link to join the meeting will be sent out the evening of the 20th, to those who have registered. Registration ends at 5 PM on August 20th, 2020.
The 3rd Friday of every month, MPA hosts a breakfast open to members and future members. These informative and educational breakfasts can be presentations, panel discussions, debates or forums. Topics cover relevant issues of interest to our community, as they relate to the land use and development industry.

Virtual Lunch and Learn with AIA Southern Arizona - Sunshine Mile
2020-08-05 12:00 - 13:00
Join MPA and AIA Southern Arizona for a joint program on the Sunshine Mile.
Over the last year, Rio Nuevo, in cooperation with the City of Tucson and RTA, engaged community members in a conversation to develop a land-use vision for future development along the Sunshine Mile. Based on community input received at these meetings, Rio Nuevo has developed a proposal for an optional Overlay Zone, which could be used for properties on and surrounding this stretch of Broadway. This overlay, which is being called the Sunshine Mile District or “SMD”, recognizes the distinct development characteristics along the Sunshine Mile, supports the community’s vision for mixed-use development as well as adaptive reuse of historic properties, encourages land uses that foster economic development and enhances the character of the Sunshine Mile. The Broadway- Euclid to Country Club- Improvement Project will have significant impacts on properties along and near the Broadway corridor, especially on the north side of Broadway Boulevard where expansions of the right-of-way were needed to accommodate the planned improvements. The expanded roadway reduced the depth and size of many parcels, thereby creating properties that would be difficult to develop under current zoning regulations.

*This event is available and free to all MPA and AIA SA Members*
The link to join the meeting will be sent out the morning of the 5th, to those who have registered. Registration ends at 5 PM on August 4, 2020.
This event presented in partnership with:

Virtual Public Policy Committee
2020-07-28 16:00 - 17:00
Join MPA and other engaged members to learn more about public policy and process issues facing the development community in Southern Arizona. Our Policy Committee meets monthly and features a new topic of discussion along with exploring ongoing issues. This meeting is open to ALL MPA Members. The link to join the meeting will be sent out the morning of July 28th, to those who have registered.
This monthly meeting, taking place on the 4th Tuesday, is a working committee. It is exclusive to MPA members and provides an opportunity for members to get up close and personal with decision-makers on key issues that may affect them. Each meeting starts with a guest presentation and is followed by an update on current policy issues. Reviewed policy and presentations cover topics from the five local jurisdictions: City of Tucson, Town of Marana, Town of Oro Valley, Pima County, and Town of Sahuarita.

Membership Committee
2020-07-23 08:30 - 21:30, 2020-03-26 08:30 - 21:30 | AZ, United States

Virtual Monthly Membership Breakfast - Southern Arizona Education Panel
2020-07-17 08:00 - 09:00
July’s Breakfast is a panel discussion of Southern Arizona’s education system, including primary, secondary and vocational training. What will education look like in the fall? Join us as we hear from the below speakers to find out!
Lee Lambert, Chancellor of Pima Community College
Kathy Prather, Superintendent/CEO of Pima JTED
John Carruth, Superintendent of Vail Unified School District
Gabriel Trujillo, Superintendent of Tucson Unified School District

Member tickets: $10Non-Member tickets: $15The link to join the meeting will be sent out the evening of the 16th, to those who have registered. Registration ends at 5 PM on July 16, 2020.
The 3rd Friday of every month, MPA hosts a breakfast open to members and future members. These informative and educational breakfasts can be presentations, panel discussions, debates or forums. Topics cover relevant issues of interest to our community, as they relate to the land use and development industry. This event typically draws 80-120 attendees and is an ideal way to interact with community leaders, elected officials and colleagues.

Virtual Public Policy Committee
2020-06-23 16:00 - 17:00
June’s meeting will be focused on the impact fees being implemented in the City of Tucson, Pima County and the Town of Oro Valley. MPA has been an active stakeholder in each of the municipalities fees studies. The fees implemented by each jurisdiction have a direct impact on the development that occurs there and while MPA acknowledges that fees may increase, we advocate for sound and equitable fees, that do not deter new development from occurring.This meeting is open to ALL MPA Members. The link to join the meeting will be sent out the morning of June 23rd, to those who have registered.
This monthly meeting, taking place on the 4th Tuesday, is a working committee. It is exclusive to MPA members and provides an opportunity for members to get up close and personal with decision-makers on key issues that may affect them. Each meeting starts with a guest presentation and is followed by an update on current policy issues. Reviewed policy and presentations cover topics from the five local jurisdictions: City of Tucson, Town of Marana, Town of Oro Valley, Pima County, and Town of Sahuarita.

Virtual Monthly Membership Breakfast - Southern Arizona Residential Market Update
2020-06-19 08:00 - 09:00
Registrants for this virtual Breakfast will be sent the link to join the meeting the evening of June 18th.
June’s Virtual Breakfast is a panel discussion of Southern Arizona’s residential market. It will feature presenters from both the master planned communities segment and home-builders, to provide an all encompassing update. Our presenters are listed below:
Meritage Homes: Jeff Grobstein
Sunbelt Holdings: Greg Mohl
KB Home: Amy McReynolds
Rancho Sahuarita: Jeremy Sharpe
The 3rd Friday of every month, MPA hosts a breakfast open to members and future members. These informative and educational breakfasts can be presentations, panel discussions, debates or forums. Topics cover relevant issues of interest to our community, as they relate to the land use and development industry. This event typically draws 80-120 attendees and is an ideal way to interact with community leaders, elected officials and colleagues.

CANCELED Cocktails & Connections
2020-05-28 17:00 - 19:00
The fourth Thursday of the month, members and nonmembers alike are invited to a member hosted cocktail reception. This event showcases the hosts’ work-space and projects while providing attendees a fun and informal way to make new connections and catch up with old friends.

The host provides food and drinks for about 30-50 MPA and non-MPA members, please feel free to invite whoever! MPA takes care of sending out event invites to the membership, tracking registration, as well as welcoming guests as they arrive.

Many members take advantage of hosting a C&C after they have moved locations, undergone a remodel, want to host an annual gathering to show off their workplace and services, in conjunction with a ribbon cutting, or to celebrate an anniversary.

MPA+AIA Members Helping Members
2020-05-27 15:00 - 16:00
Join MPA and AIA Southern Arizona Members for an engaging and informative virtual panel session with industry experts on re-entering the workplace. Our speakers will be discussing the short-term and long-term changes their companies are making to ensure that their employees and clients remain safe. We will have a panelists from the following companies speaking:

Goodmans Interior Structures
SUNDT Construction
Swaim Architects

The timelines and challenges being faced in returning to the office vary by company, but we hope that by having an open discussion, we will be able to share some insights and best practices that may help you and your team as you re-enter the workplace.

Your link to join the virtual meeting via GoogleMeet will be sent to you after you register, on the morning of the event.

Virtual Public Policy Committee
2020-05-26 16:00 - 17:00 | EEC, 555 E. River Road #301, Tucson, AZ, 85704
Join MPA and other engaged members to learn more about public policy and process issues facing the development community in Southern Arizona. Our Policy Committee meets monthly and features a new topic of discussion along with exploring ongoing issues. May’s meeting will be focused on the changes that have taken place in the residential and commercial markets as a result of the pandemic.
This monthly meeting, taking place on the 4th Tuesday, is a working committee. It is exclusive to MPA members and provides an opportunity for members to get up close and personal with decision-makers on key issues that may affect them. Each meeting starts with a guest presentation and is followed by an update on current policy issues. Reviewed policy and presentations cover topics from the five local jurisdictions: City of Tucson, Town of Marana, Town of Oro Valley, Pima County, and Town of Sahuarita.

Virtual Monthly Membership Breakfast - The University of Arizona's Fall 2020 Re-Opening
2020-05-15 08:00 - 09:00
The 3rd Friday of every month, MPA hosts a breakfast open to members and future members. Topics cover relevant issues of interest to our community, as they relate to the land use and development industry.
This month’s breakfast will be a presentation from Julie Katsel, the Senior Director of Government Relations/ Local and Community Government & Community Relations at the University of Arizona. Julie will be updating the group on the following issues as they relate to the University resuming in person courses in the Fall of 2020.
-The financial impact of the virus on the University
-UA antibody testing locally and state-wide
-Fall 2020 plans
Once you have registered, a Google Hangout Meets link will be sent to the email you provide when registering the evening before the Breakfast. Registration will be closed on May 14th at 5:00pm
The MPA Membership Breakfast is a member benefit. As such, non-members may only attend 1 breakfast a year. The cost to virtually attend at the member rate is $10.00 and non-member rate is $15.00.

RESCHEDULED Members Helping Members - State and Federal Legislative Update: COVID-19 Edition
2020-04-30 15:00 - 16:00
Presentation by Michael Racy
Google Hangout Meets link: https://meet.google.com/coc-mrvk-zeq
Join by Phone: +1 401-541-5564‬ PIN: ‪808 042 205‬#

Michael Racy is President of Racy Associates, Inc., a Tucson based public policy and government relations firm with offices in Tucson and Phoenix. The firm represents a broad range of public and private clients at the local, state and federal levels of government. The firm has extensive experience in the areas of tax, budget, state and federal appropriations, transportation, aviation and all areas of real estate regulation and development. Mr. Racy has lobbied full time at the Arizona state legislature since 1986. Mr. Racy and his firm have been instrumental in much of the most significant legislation effecting southern Arizona over the last many years including increased distributions of transportation and sales tax dollars and all aspect of the Regional Transportation Authority. Michael is an instrument rated private pilot, five time member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team (Retired), master scuba diver and races formula race cars in his spare time.
Mr. Racy will address the abbreviated state legislative session, the adopted “skinny budget” potential for completion of the 2020 state regular legislative session and federal legislative issues all with an eye towards local issues of interest and the development industry.
While this event is free to all Members, MPA is asking for a $5 contribution, if possible to assist in covering programming and operation costs.

*CANCELED* Public Policy Committee
2020-04-28 16:00 - 17:00 | EEC, 555 E. River Road #301, Tucson, AZ, 85704
This monthly meeting, taking place on the 4th Tuesday, is a working committee. It is exclusive to MPA members and provides an opportunity for members to get up close and personal with decision-makers on key issues that may affect them. Each meeting starts with a guest presentation and is followed by an update on current policy issues. Reviewed policy and presentations cover topics from the five local jurisdictions: City of Tucson, Town of Marana, Town of Oro Valley, Pima County, and Town of Sahuarita.

Friday Fun with MPA - Wine with Lee
2020-04-24 15:00 - 16:00
Wine education with Sommelier Lee Moffitt
Google Hangout Meets link: https://meet.google.com/mic-nagj-caw
Join by phone: +1 513-818-1059‬ PIN: ‪160 866 948‬#
Lee Fisher is an accomplished level one Sommelier. He is in charge of the wine cultivation and education program at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. His favorite growing region is Italy, and he is excited to share his passion with the group. Originally from England, Lee has dedicated his career to exploring and learning more about wine and the fine foods that accompany them. In his downtime, Lee and his wife Catie enjoy traveling, they live locally with two huge dogs and one blind cat.

**POSTPONED** Cocktails & Connections - Common Workspace
2020-04-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Common Workspace, 149 North Stone Ave, 3rd Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701
Host:

The fourth Thursday of the month, members and nonmembers alike are invited to a member hosted cocktail reception. This event showcases the hosts’ work-space and projects while providing attendees a fun and informal way to make new connections and catch up with old friends.

The host provides food and drinks for about 30-50 MPA and non-MPA members, please feel free to invite whoever! MPA takes care of sending out event invites to the membership, tracking registration, as well as welcoming guests as they arrive.

Many members take advantage of hosting a C&C after they have moved locations, undergone a remodel, want to host an annual gathering to show off their workplace and services, in conjunction with a ribbon cutting, or to celebrate an anniversary.

Members Helping Members - Is your business insured against the COVID-19 pandemic?
2020-04-22 15:00 - 16:00
Is your business insured against the COVID-19 pandemic?Presentation by Jack Clements, CPA, CIC, The Clements Agency
Google Hangout Meets link: https://meet.google.com/ywh-ikip-jcn
Join by phone: +1 518-655-1198‬ PIN: ‪342 122 125‬#
Everyone has questions about whether or not their insurance coverage will cover loss of business income or any other aspect of the impact of Covid-19. Jack will give some opening observations about this and then open it up for questions. This is meant to be conversational after Jack gives an overview.
Members Helping Members is a new webinar series that MPA is starting in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak and the new challenges to the workplace it has brought with it. Each week an MPA Member or partner will provide timely and insightful information on an area that is experiencing changes due to the COVID-19 virus. We are hosting these meetings via google hangouts, no download is needed, simply utilize the link provided on the event page. You may access the event page by clicking on the “Register” button below. Attend one, attend all!While this event is free to all Members, MPA is asking for a $5 contribution, if possible to assist in covering programming and operation costs.

Friday Fun with MPA - Brunch with the Nook
2020-04-17 15:00 - 16:00
Google Hangout Meets link: https://meet.google.com/aye-sqce-dnb
Join by phone: +1 318-390-3620‬ PIN: ‪624 613 367‬#
Nikki and Matt Thompson are the owners and operators of Nook restaurant in downtown Tucson. They started a catering company, 2 Hearts 1 Kitchen, in 2007 and opened nook in 2015. What started as a love for cooking and food has morphed into a career in hospitality surrounded by friends and family. They love cooking and serving, and since we can’t be together right now they want to show you how to make brunch for yourself and your family with things you probably already have on hand. They will be showcasing their banana griddle cakes and how to make eggs benedict at home!

Members Helping Members - How to submit plans digitally
2020-04-15 15:00 - 16:00
How to submit plans digitally and keep your projects on trackPresentation by Lisa Bowers of Tucson Expediting and Development
Google Hangout Meets link: https://meet.google.com/ehr-tdjh-puw
Join by phone: +1 669-232-3328‬ PIN: ‪369 285 172‬#
With Governor Ducey labeling the construction industry as an essential service, the local municipalities have been spurred to go digital with their plan submittals and reviews and the development industry continues to move projects through the process. While the overall approval process has stayed the same, the way plans are submitted, inspections are done and approvals are issues have changed. Even construction sites have had to make modifications to their processes to comply with social distancing and safety recommendations. Lisa Bowers of Tucson Expediting and Development will provide the group and overview of what changes have been put into place, how to keep your projects moving forward and what to do if you have an active project site.
While this event is free to all Members, MPA is asking for a $5 contribution, if possible to assist in covering programming and operation costs.

Members Helping Members - Understanding the legal impacts of COVID-19
2020-04-08 15:00 - 16:00
Understanding the legal impacts of COVID-19 to real estate, finance and general businessesPresentation by Matt Thrasher, Managing Partner of Thrasher Law PLLC

This session is focused on answering your legal questions spurred by the virus. Many are wondering what legal recourse they have when tenants have not paid, when sales have been suspended or ended…just to name a few. Read below to learn a bit more about Matt and his law firm’s areas of expertise.
Matt Thrasher represents entrepreneurs, financial institutions, real estate developers, real estate service providers, and other business entities and individuals on a broad range of finance, real estate, general corporate and regulatory compliance matters. Matt’s experience includes negotiating and drafting equity and debt financing agreements, developing private placement memoranda, drafting commercial and residential lease agreements, negotiating stock and asset purchases, and advising on merger and acquisition transactions.
Matt understands the needs and goals of business owners, executives and boards of directors and has advised these individuals on many aspects of their business across all points of a company’s life cycle. Matt has managed projects including corporate formation and fundraising for start-ups, advising existing companies on state and federal regulatory compliance issues, and developing and implementing wind-down and exit strategies for seasoned businesses.
The attorneys at Thrasher Law Offices PLLC strive to balance the legal advice they provide with an understanding of the real-world choices and risks that face entrepreneurs, business owners and corporate officers.
Google Hangout Meets link: https://meet.google.com/ecv-ckyu-wfn
Join by phone: +1 405-362-7165‬ PIN: ‪727 507 988‬#
Members Helping Members is a new webinar series that MPA is starting in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak and the new challenges to the workplace it has brought with it. Each week an MPA Member or partner will provide timely and insightful information on an area that is experiencing changes due to the COVID-19 virus. We are hosting these meetings via google hangouts, no download is needed, simply utilize the link provided on the event page. You may access the event page by clicking on the “Register” button below. Attend one, attend all!While this event is free to all Members, MPA is asking for a $5 contribution, if possible to assist in covering programming and operation costs.

Members Helping Members - Taking your team digital
2020-04-01 15:00 - 16:00
Taking your team digitalPresentation by Rob Lamb, COO of GLHN Architects and Engineers
&
Stephanie Healy of Cox Communications
Google Hangout Meets link: https://meet.google.com/fzh-hxsy-bwm
Join by phone: +1 502-785-9258‬ PIN: ‪456 017 215‬#
Today’s session is focused on adapting your workforce to WFH (working from home). We have Rob Lamb from GLHN speaking about how they quickly mobilized their mid size office to go virtual, and the challenges that came with it. Rob will also share how as a leader at the company he keeps himself and his team motivated and engaged with so many distractions looming.
Stepanie will present on the technological aspect of WFM and what accommodates have needed to occur to ensure that all of Southern Arizona’s residents had adequate access to the internet, ensuring there is sufficient bandwidth to support both working and learning from home.
Members Helping Members is a new webinar series that MPA is starting in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak and the new challenges to the workplace it has brought with it. Each week an MPA Member or partner will provide timely and insightful information on an area that is experiencing changes due to the COVID-19 virus. We are hosting these meetings via google hangouts, no download is needed, simply utilize the link provided on the event page. You may access the event page by clicking on the “Register” button below. Attend one, attend all!While this event is free to all Members, MPA is asking for a $5 contribution, if possible to assist in covering programming and operation costs.

City of Tucson COVID-19 Update
2020-03-27 08:00 - 09:00
City of Tucson COVID-19 Update with PDSD Director, Scott Clark
MPA will be hosting a virtual conversation with the Director of the Planning and Development Services Department at the City of Tucson. Scott will be providing Members with an update of what changes the City has made to still be able to serve the development community during this time of social distancing. There will be a portion of this conversation that is dedicated to questions and answers with Scott.
This meeting will be available through Google Hangout Meets. To join the meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/jtt-iken-qqu

**POSTPONED** Cocktails & Connections - JW Starr Pass Resort & AIA
2020-03-26 17:00 - 19:00 | JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85745, United States
Location Sponsor:

Partner:

This event will be held at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in the Primo Restaurant.

This month’s Cocktails & Connections Host is PRIMO at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa.

Please join MPA and the AIA of Southern Arizona for an evening of delicious food, spectacular views and impressive company.

The fourth Thursday of the month, members and nonmembers alike are invited to a member hosted cocktail reception. This event showcases the hosts’ work-space and projects while providing attendees a fun and informal way to make new connections and catch up with old friends.

The host provides food and drinks for about 30-50 MPA and non-MPA members, please feel free to invite whoever! MPA takes care of sending out event invites to the membership, tracking registration, as well as welcoming guests as they arrive.

Many members take advantage of hosting a C&C after they have moved locations, undergone a remodel, want to host an annual gathering to show off their workplace and services, in conjunction with a ribbon cutting, or to celebrate an anniversary.
