James Brasuell, AICP is the former editorial director of Planetizen and is now a senior public affairs specialist at the Southern California Association of Governments. James managed all editorial content and direction for Planetizen from 2014 to 2023, and was promoted from manging editor to editorial director in 2021. After a first career as a class five white water river guide in Trinity County in Northern California, James started his career in Los Angeles as a volunteer at a risk reduction center in Skid Row. Prior to joining Planetizen, James worked at the Cal Poly Pomona College of Environmental Design, as an editor at Curbed LA, as editor of The Planning Report, and as a freelance contributor for The Architect’s Newspaper, the Urban Land Institute – Los Angeles Chapter, FORM, KCET, and the California Planning & Development Report.
A Phoenix Suburb Wrestles With How Urban to Become
The city of Avondale approved a walkable, urban vision for its City Center Plan in 2008, but those grand ambitions haven't yet recovered from the Great Recession.
Light Rail Extension Plan Approved in Portland
The Portland City Council has approved Oregon Metro's Southwest Corridor plan.
Anti-Displacement Policies Recommended for Austin
Faced growing housing costs and limited funding and resources for struggling homeowners and renters, the city of Austin has ramped up efforts to identify and lobby for housing policy changes.
Walmart Planning a 'Town Center' Concept, with its Stores as the Anchor
A Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas will be a testing ground for a new planning concept in the works at the massive retailer.
Zoning Changes Proposed to Respond to Gentrification Concerns in Philadelphia
The rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of Point Breeze could get a new zoning map if recently proposed legislation is approved.