PHOENIX, ARIZ. (January 12, 2026) – TSMC’s ripple effect across the Valley. Rethinking attainable home ownership. Is nuclear power in our future? The economic engine of sports entertainment and convention centers. A debate on Arizona housing policies.
Those are just a few of the deep-dive topics to be discussed as ULI Arizona presents its 21st Annual Trends Day on Friday, February 20, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Trends Day brings together more than 30 top industry experts to discuss the most current state and national real estate trends.
ULI Arizona’s Trends Day is recognized as the third-largest ULI program globally.
“Celebrating 20+ years of innovation, collaboration, and impact, Trends Day stands as a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our members and the development community to share knowledge and elevate best practices,” said Deb Sydenham, FAICP, Executive Director, ULI Arizona District Council. “We’re proud of this incredible event and the positive change it inspires.”
Trends Day 2026 kicks off with the annual economic and commercial real estate outlook, delivered by John Chang, Senior Vice President, Chief Intelligence & Analytics Officer, Marcus & Millichap.
The economic outlook launches Trends Day with a look ahead at how shifting economic tides, evolving federal policy, interest rate movements, and commercial real estate performance will shape the national and Arizona real estate landscape.
The Trends Day 2026 Keynote Speaker is Amy Van Dyken-Rouen, a former University of Arizona student-athlete and six-time Olympic swimming champion who won four medals in 1996 in Atlanta and two more in Sydney, Australia, in 2000. In June of 2014, she was injured in an ATV accident and severed her spinal cord, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.
She has since become a motivational speaker and advocate, inspiring many with her resilience and active lifestyle, including participating in adaptive sports and promoting disability awareness. The topic of her keynote address: Defying Every ‘No’: A Journey of Relentless Perseverance.
Panel highlights:
- TSMC’s Ripple Effects Across Time and Place: Discover how TSMC’s monumental capital investment is transforming the Northwest Valley, and beyond, into a thriving corridor of innovation and employment. This session will explore the infrastructure, housing, retail, and broader development required to support sustainable growth. Moderating the panel is Chris Mackey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater Phoenix Economic Council.
- From Now to Nuclear – Bridging the Power Gap While Restarting an Industry: As large load customers seek reliable, baseload, low-carbon energy solutions, nuclear power is poised for a comeback. Yet, restarting the nuclear industry presents unique challenges in terms of technology and policy, as well as bridging the gap between today’s exponentially growing energy demands and the time required to bring advanced nuclear resources to market. Moderating the panel is Jane Rueger, Firmwide Lead, Energy Infrastructure and Clean Technology, Perkins Coie.
- ULI Trends Day Debate – Arizona Housing Policy, Statewide Intervention vs. Local Control: This year’s debate will focus on the tension between state legislative intervention and local government control over housing policies. Dialogue will explore recent legislative sessions where the state has attempted to intervene in local housing regulations through bills aimed at creating more attainable housing, such as allowing accessory dwelling units by right; small lot development bills; adaptive reuse legislation; the Axon bill, which pre-empted the referendum process for specific developments. Moderating the debate is Catherine Reagor, Senior Real Estate and Housing Reporter and Columnist, The Arizona Republic.
Trends Day 2026 runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is located at 5350 E. Marriott Drive in Phoenix. For the complete agenda and to register, click here.
About ULI
The Urban Land Institute is a 501[c][3] nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the Institute has more than 45,000 members worldwide, representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines working in private enterprise and public service. As the preeminent multidisciplinary land use and real estate forum, ULI facilitates an open exchange of ideas, information, and experience among local, national, and international industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better places. Learn more about ULI Arizona at arizona.uli.org.
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