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.
Court: It's Cruel and Unusual Punishment to Ban Homeless From Sleeping on Streets
A 2009 law that banned sleeping in public spaces has been ruled unconstitutional by a federal appeals court.
Raleigh Could Legalize Accessory Dwelling Units—With Lots of Strings Attached
Residents in parts of Raleigh would be allowed to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property, if a majority of their neighbors approve the idea.
Walkable Suburbia
It's not impossible to reshape the suburbs to be more walkable, but it does require careful planning and design.
Evaluating Departing Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Planning Record
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel made a surprise announcement this week that he would not seek a third term in office.
Seattle's Residents Pick Funding for Streets, Park Projects
The "Your Voice Your Choice" program of participatory funding is in its second year in Seattle.