About Us

Urban Planning Concepts, Inc. (UPC)

Guiding the Central Coast with Excellence Since 1987

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.

Meet The Team

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.

Laurie Tamura, AICP

Principal Planner, President

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

Principal Planner, Vice President

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, AICP

Principal Planner

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

Senior Planner

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

Associate Planner

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.

70+
Country
60
Awards and Medals
130k+
International Customers
21+
Facilities
A deep commitment to diversity

Business Partners

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Our Qualifications

A Legacy of Knowledge and Expertise

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.

Recognition

Honoring Our Legacy of Excellence

UPC is proud to have been recognized by esteemed organizations for our contributions to land use planning and community development

Home Builder’s Association

2007
Associate of the Year
2000
Best Commercial or Industrial Project

Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce

2007
Robert F. Grogan Award for
Public Service

Santa Maria Valley Economic Development Association

2000-2005
Years of Service & Dedication

Leadership Santa Maria Valley

2000
Founder’s Award
1997
Chairman’s Certificate of Merit

Kiwanis of the year

Santa Maria Women's Network

1999
Women of Excellence Award

Rotarian of the year

Building Industry Association

1997
The Presidents Award

Useful Resources

Expand Your Knowledge with Our Curated Resources

At UPC, we believe in empowering our clients and partners with the tools and information necessary for informed decision-making. Explore our collection of professional, regulatory, and government resources, and download our comprehensive brochure for an in-depth look at how we can support your project from conception through construction

UPC Brochure

Gain deeper insights into our approach, services, and past projects by downloading our brochure. Learn how UPC leverages its extensive expertise and strong industry connections to bring your projects to life

Join Our Team

Launch a Career in Land Use Planning

Urban Planning Concept is seeking skilled planners and creative minds to join our team. Let’s build the future together