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IMMERSION

Learn how Southern Arizona gets built.

Immersion is a non-partisan professional and leadership development program that gives early- to mid-career professionals a broader understanding of Southern Arizona’s construction, real estate, and development sectors.

IMMERSION

Learn how Southern Arizona gets built.

Immersion is a non-partisan professional and leadership development program that gives early- to mid-career professionals a broader understanding of Southern Arizona’s construction, real estate, and development sectors.

IMMERSION

Learn how Southern Arizona gets built.

Immersion is a non-partisan professional and leadership development program that gives early- to mid-career professionals a broader understanding of Southern Arizona’s construction, real estate, and development sectors.

Immersion logo with the tagline knowledge, partnership, collaboration

Why Immersion

Go beyond your corner of the industry.

Development is interconnected. Immersion gives participants a broader understanding of the people, processes and decisions that shape projects throughout Southern Arizona.

Over the course of the program, participants learn directly from professionals working across land use, infrastructure, entitlements, permitting, design, residential development, construction, commercial development, market analysis and financing.

Just as importantly, each session creates opportunities to build relationships with classmates, program alumni, presenters and leaders working throughout the region.

Apply for Immersion

Apply for Immersion

What You’ll Gain

Industry Perspective

Develop a more complete understanding of the development process and how its many disciplines work together.

Direct Access to Experts

Learn from experienced professionals and community leaders working in both the public and private sectors.

Regional Context

Better understand the regulatory, economic and civic environment shaping development in Southern Arizona.

Professional Relationships

Connect with peers, presenters, alumni and industry leaders across the region.

Leadership Development

Build the knowledge and relationships needed to become a stronger industry and community leader.

Program Schedule

Fall 2026 Program

Six dates. A connected view of the people, processes and decisions behind development in Southern Arizona.

Kickoff

October 23

Welcome, Introductions & Program Overview

3:00–4:00 PM

Meet your cohort, learn what to expect from the program and begin building relationships with fellow participants and Immersion alumni.

Happy Hour hosted by the Immersion Alumni Committee

4:00–5:00 PM

Continue the conversation with classmates and program alumni in an informal setting.

Kickoff

October 23

Welcome, Introductions & Program Overview

3:00–4:00 PM

Meet your cohort, learn what to expect from the program and begin building relationships with fellow participants and Immersion alumni.

Happy Hour hosted by the Immersion Alumni Committee

4:00–5:00 PM

Continue the conversation with classmates and program alumni in an informal setting.

Kickoff

October 23

Welcome, Introductions & Program Overview

3:00–4:00 PM

Meet your cohort, learn what to expect from the program and begin building relationships with fellow participants and Immersion alumni.

Happy Hour hosted by the Immersion Alumni Committee

4:00–5:00 PM

Continue the conversation with classmates and program alumni in an informal setting.

Course 1

October 30

Understanding the Significance of Land Development in Southern Arizona’s Economy

Michael Racy

Owner

Racy Associates, Inc.

Explore the role land development plays as an economic development tool, including how development is regulated by state and local agencies and how Southern Arizona’s political environment influences the process.

Back to Basics: Are You Ready to Develop? Do Your Due Diligence

Carmine DeBonis Jr.

Deputy County Administrator

Pima County

Learn the essential building blocks of development, including water, wastewater, zoning, electricity and natural gas, before moving forward with a deal or submitting permits.

Course 1

October 30

Understanding the Significance of Land Development in Southern Arizona’s Economy

Michael Racy

Owner

Racy Associates, Inc.

Explore the role land development plays as an economic development tool, including how development is regulated by state and local agencies and how Southern Arizona’s political environment influences the process.

Back to Basics: Are You Ready to Develop? Do Your Due Diligence

Carmine DeBonis Jr.

Deputy County Administrator

Pima County

Learn the essential building blocks of development, including water, wastewater, zoning, electricity and natural gas, before moving forward with a deal or submitting permits.

Course 1

October 30

Understanding the Significance of Land Development in Southern Arizona’s Economy

Michael Racy

Owner

Racy Associates, Inc.

Explore the role land development plays as an economic development tool, including how development is regulated by state and local agencies and how Southern Arizona’s political environment influences the process.

Back to Basics: Are You Ready to Develop? Do Your Due Diligence

Carmine DeBonis Jr.

Deputy County Administrator

Pima County

Learn the essential building blocks of development, including water, wastewater, zoning, electricity and natural gas, before moving forward with a deal or submitting permits.

Course 2

November 6

Legal Entitlements & Public Process: Acquisitions, Contracts, Legal Partnerships & Developer’s Rights

Keri L. Silvyn

Partner

Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C.

Explore the legal and regulatory considerations involved in acquiring and developing a project, including due diligence, Specific Plans, Development Agreements, PADAs, rezoning, permitting and the public approval process.

Permitting 101

City and County representatives

Navigate local permitting systems through demonstrations and discussion of timelines, fee schedules, impact fees and the role development fees play in supporting community amenities and services.

Course 2

November 6

Legal Entitlements & Public Process: Acquisitions, Contracts, Legal Partnerships & Developer’s Rights

Keri L. Silvyn

Partner

Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C.

Explore the legal and regulatory considerations involved in acquiring and developing a project, including due diligence, Specific Plans, Development Agreements, PADAs, rezoning, permitting and the public approval process.

Permitting 101

City and County representatives

Navigate local permitting systems through demonstrations and discussion of timelines, fee schedules, impact fees and the role development fees play in supporting community amenities and services.

Course 2

November 6

Legal Entitlements & Public Process: Acquisitions, Contracts, Legal Partnerships & Developer’s Rights

Keri L. Silvyn

Partner

Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C.

Explore the legal and regulatory considerations involved in acquiring and developing a project, including due diligence, Specific Plans, Development Agreements, PADAs, rezoning, permitting and the public approval process.

Permitting 101

City and County representatives

Navigate local permitting systems through demonstrations and discussion of timelines, fee schedules, impact fees and the role development fees play in supporting community amenities and services.

Course 3

November 13

Site Design, Development Plans, Plats & Architectural Design

Phil Swaim, AIA

Principal

Swaim Associates Architects

William “Bill” Carroll, P.E.

Vice President

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Explore technical considerations including site selection and planning, building design, grading, hydrology, utilities and landscape plans—and how thoughtful design teams create successful, inspiring places.

It All Starts with Rooftops: Residential Development

Dean F. Wingert

Vice President & Tucson Office Head

Crown West Land Group

Explore suburban residential development and how its path differs from urban development, from permitting and entitlements to financing and construction.

Course 3

November 13

Site Design, Development Plans, Plats & Architectural Design

Phil Swaim, AIA

Principal

Swaim Associates Architects

William “Bill” Carroll, P.E.

Vice President

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Explore technical considerations including site selection and planning, building design, grading, hydrology, utilities and landscape plans—and how thoughtful design teams create successful, inspiring places.

It All Starts with Rooftops: Residential Development

Dean F. Wingert

Vice President & Tucson Office Head

Crown West Land Group

Explore suburban residential development and how its path differs from urban development, from permitting and entitlements to financing and construction.

Course 3

November 13

Site Design, Development Plans, Plats & Architectural Design

Phil Swaim, AIA

Principal

Swaim Associates Architects

William “Bill” Carroll, P.E.

Vice President

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Explore technical considerations including site selection and planning, building design, grading, hydrology, utilities and landscape plans—and how thoughtful design teams create successful, inspiring places.

It All Starts with Rooftops: Residential Development

Dean F. Wingert

Vice President & Tucson Office Head

Crown West Land Group

Explore suburban residential development and how its path differs from urban development, from permitting and entitlements to financing and construction.

Course 4

November 20

Construction: Selection Processes, Considerations & Contract Administration

Industry construction leaders

Explore how construction firms are selected and managed, including qualifications-based and low-bid selection, creating a team-based approach and navigating construction administration through successful project completion.

Course 4

November 20

Construction: Selection Processes, Considerations & Contract Administration

Industry construction leaders

Explore how construction firms are selected and managed, including qualifications-based and low-bid selection, creating a team-based approach and navigating construction administration through successful project completion.

Course 4

November 20

Construction: Selection Processes, Considerations & Contract Administration

Industry construction leaders

Explore how construction firms are selected and managed, including qualifications-based and low-bid selection, creating a team-based approach and navigating construction administration through successful project completion.

Course 5

December 4

Building BIG! Non-Residential Development & the Role It Plays in Economic Development

McKay Stevens

Development Principal

Bourn Companies

Explore multifamily, commercial, office and industrial development and the unique considerations that distinguish these projects from single-family residential development. The bigger the project, the bigger the crane, the bigger the risk—and the bigger the potential impact.

Market Analysis & Financing

George C. Larsen, CCIM

Co-Founder

Larsen Baker

Gain a general understanding of non-residential development markets, where and how capital enters the process, and ways developers and investors work to understand and reduce risk.

Course 5

December 4

Building BIG! Non-Residential Development & the Role It Plays in Economic Development

McKay Stevens

Development Principal

Bourn Companies

Explore multifamily, commercial, office and industrial development and the unique considerations that distinguish these projects from single-family residential development. The bigger the project, the bigger the crane, the bigger the risk—and the bigger the potential impact.

Market Analysis & Financing

George C. Larsen, CCIM

Co-Founder

Larsen Baker

Gain a general understanding of non-residential development markets, where and how capital enters the process, and ways developers and investors work to understand and reduce risk.

Course 5

December 4

Building BIG! Non-Residential Development & the Role It Plays in Economic Development

McKay Stevens

Development Principal

Bourn Companies

Explore multifamily, commercial, office and industrial development and the unique considerations that distinguish these projects from single-family residential development. The bigger the project, the bigger the crane, the bigger the risk—and the bigger the potential impact.

Market Analysis & Financing

George C. Larsen, CCIM

Co-Founder

Larsen Baker

Gain a general understanding of non-residential development markets, where and how capital enters the process, and ways developers and investors work to understand and reduce risk.

Apply for Immersion

Apply for Immersion

Course Rhythm

A Typical Course Day

A focused morning of learning with built-in time to connect.

8:00–8:30 AM

Coffee & Networking

8:30 AM–12:00 PM

Presentations

12:00–1:00 PM

Lunch & Discussions

Morning coffee and lunch are included, creating additional time for participants to connect with classmates, alumni, presenters, hosts and moderators.

Fall 2026

Program Investment

Choose the rate that matches your role in Southern Arizona’s development community.

Private Industry MPA Member

$1,250

Private Industry MPA Non-Member

$2,000

Public Employee or Community Partner

$650

Applications close October 7, 2026

Apply for Fall 2026

Applications for the Fall 2026 Immersion program must be received by October 7, 2026 to be considered for admission.

Immersion is designed for early- to mid-career professionals and future industry leaders interested in expanding their understanding of Southern Arizona’s land use and development community.

Please include a brief professional bio and current headshot with your application.

Apply for Immersion

Apply for Immersion

What Happens Next

MPA will review submitted applications and contact applicants regarding admission to the Fall 2026 cohort.

Accepted participants will receive additional program information and an invoice for tuition prior to the start of the program.

About MPA

About Metropolitan Pima Alliance

Metropolitan Pima Alliance is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to advocacy, education and relationship building for the land use and development community of the greater Tucson region.

MPA brings together business, government and non-profit organizations with the shared goal of strengthening Southern Arizona’s quality of life and economic vitality through balanced, responsible land use and development.