Since 1987, Urban Planning Concepts, Inc. has led land use planning across California. With expertise in residential, commercial, and agricultural projects, we navigate local and regional regulations and the CEQA with precision.
As trusted partners, we guide projects from concept to completion, ensuring efficiency and professionalism. Our commitment to lowering costs and meeting deadlines underscores our unwavering dedication to clients.
The foundation of Urban Planning Concepts, Inc. (UPC) is our dedicated team of planning professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and a unique set of skills to our projects. Our leaders have been instrumental in guiding UPC to the forefront of land use planning in California.
With over 34 years of shaping the future of urban and rural landscapes, Laurie Tamura has steered UPC since 1989 with a visionary approach to land use planning. Her profound expertise in the Subdivision Map Act, State Planning and Zoning Laws, and CEQA, combined with her strategic leadership, has propelled UPC to become a beacon of excellence in land use consulting. Laurie's engagement with civic organizations and her active role in community planning underscores her commitment to sustainable development and community enrichment.
David Swenk brings over 17 years of expertise in environmental planning and analysis to UPC, specializing in CEQA compliance and environmental impact assessments. His background in forestry and hydrology, along with his experience as a senior planner for Santa Barbara County, provides him with the insights needed to navigate complex agricultural regulations effectively. David's leadership in environmental planning has been crucial in advancing UPC's agricultural projects, ensuring each one balances development goals with environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Brian Schwartz's 18-year tenure in city and regional planning has been marked by his leadership in managing large-scale development projects and his expertise in environmental analysis. With degrees in Natural Resources Planning and City and Regional Planning, Brian's varied experience allows him to provide expertise on a diverse array of planning projects. His active involvement in professional planning associations reflects his commitment to the understanding and application of the latest planning trends and the advancement of the planning profession.
Pete Simmons offers a rich tapestry of experience, with over 27 years dedicated to land use planning and wireless communication real estate acquisition. His return to UPC in 2021 after an extensive career across public and private sectors brings a valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of urban planning. Pete's expertise in navigating planning processes and his proactive approach to client representation enhance UPC's ability to deliver projects that meet the modern needs of communities and developers alike.
Jason Tamura has been with Urban Planning Concepts since 2013, specializing in project management, site research, and permit expedition. He expertly guides teams through the building permit process on the Central Coast, working closely with city and county agencies. Jason also serves on the Santa Maria Block Grant Advisory Committee, where he has been a member since 2016 and Chairman since 2022, helping allocate funds to nonprofits. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Humboldt State University, which enhances his communication and management skills.
By enrolling in the Four Bear Program, UM guarantees you will graduate in four years with a bachelor’s degree. Discover the global city—filled with inspiration, opportunities to explore.
By enrolling in the Four Bear Program, UM guarantees you will graduate in four years with a bachelor’s degree. Discover the global city—filled with inspiration, opportunities to explore.
UPC’s team boasts over 90 years of combined experience in land use planning, deeply rooted in Santa Barbara County and beyond. This wealth of experience is complemented by our staff’s diverse academic backgrounds in fields such as planning, environmental science, and further enriched by advanced degrees in City/Regional Planning and Hydrology. Our professionals hold esteemed certifications like AICP and are actively involved in leading industry organizations, ensuring UPC remains at the cutting edge of planning and environmental stewardship.
Urban Planning Concept is seeking skilled planners and creative minds to join our team. Let’s build the future together
