More than land planning.
UpFront is more than just land planning consultants. We have the experience and knowledge of working on both the public and private side, but also as an appointed public official. We have written codes, enforced the codes and negotiated for changes to codes. We know what options a project has and how to overcome obstacles to create great projects.
Jessica Sarkissian, AICP
Principal/ Owner
With over 22 years of experience in the Valley of the Sun as a land planning specialist, Jessica has the experience, knowledge and connections to get your project done. She coordinates with public and private sector clients and excels at bridging the gap to find solutions.
Jessica received Bachelors from the University of Arizona and her Masters from Northern Arizona University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) as well as is past President of the Arizona Chapter of the American Planning Association through 2021 where she has served on the board since 2013 in various positions.
She currently sits on the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Board and previously on the City of Mesa Planning & Zoning Board, City of Mesa Board of Adjustment and Town of Gilbert Planning Commission.
Additionally she is part of the City of Mesa General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) for the 10 year update.
She is an active member of the Mesa community and volunteers for the local AYSO soccer region as well as has coached in the local NYS and Mesa Youth Sports volleyball leagues.
“Jessica is a pleasure to work with, she drives the planning zoning and approval process toward a positive result, calm and professional under pressure and her focus on the projects goal does not waver. she has been instrumental in helping us move forward with extremely complex expensive projects.”
“I have been in the trenches with Jessica, so I know first hand of her skills, grace under pressure, and good humor. She is authentic in her dealings and really knows her business.”
“Jessica has been a valuable City of Mesa Planning and Zoning Board member since July 2016. She asks thoughtful questions and provides clear statements on her positions on difficult cases. Jessica has also been part of a consultant team that worked on a planning study for the City of Mesa. She provided valuable planning insight and expertise to the project.”
“I highly recommend Jessica for all of your planning needs! Over the past 15 years, I have had the pleasure of interacting with Jessica as a co-worker, a client and as a sub-consultant. Jessica brings a wealth of planning experience along with great energy to every project. She is a respected leader in the Arizona planning community and has unique insights in approaching challenging political or project conditions!”
“Jessica has been a tremendous sponsor and valued member of Valley Partnership. Her engagement and growth in the real estate development industry has been amazing. She is a leader on many issues ranging from planning, policy, and economics.”
Affiliated Organizations and Partnerships
