40 North Central, 20th Floor
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
602.256.0566
Fax: 602.256.4475
Visit us online at www.gblaw.com

Ryan Garofalo

Planner

Practice Areas

  • Profile

Ryan supports developers through every stage of the entitlement process—translating complex zoning requirements into actionable strategies that get projects approved. With a background in both municipal planning and real estate development, he bridges the gap between public policy and private-sector goals.

Ryan is a Land Use Planner at Gammage & Burnham, where he helps clients navigate Arizona’s zoning and municipal approval processes for complex development projects. His work includes advising on rezoning strategy, Planned Area Development (PAD) applications, Minor General Plan Amendments, and zoning adjustment requests. He collaborates closely with attorneys, developers, and city staff to align development proposals with local planning requirements, and is responsible for drafting project narratives, managing public hearing logistics, and coordinating community outreach efforts.

Ryan’s project experience spans residential subdivisions, infill redevelopment, and mixed-use planning. His approach blends technical expertise with practical insight—grounded in a dual background in public-sector planning and private real estate.

Prior to joining Gammage & Burnham, Ryan worked in the City of Scottsdale’s Planning Department, where he contributed to current planning efforts and long-range initiatives. He reviewed development applications for zoning compliance, supported downtown revitalization projects, and participated in public hearings as a city representative. He also collaborated with legal teams on ordinance amendments, drafted staff reports for Council consideration, and managed digital tools including the city’s interactive zoning map and planning newsletter.

Ryan earned his Master of Real Estate Development from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, where he focused on entitlement strategy, financial modeling, and capital structuring. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from ASU and is a licensed Arizona real estate salesperson.