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.
Gentrifying Neighborhood Qualifies as a Federal 'Opportunity Zone'
The state of Georgia's Opportunity Zones designations included one choice that raised questions about the purpose of the new federal program.
Three Lessons About Vacancies and Affordable Housing
The New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey was released in February 2017, revealing nuanced realities of the city's housing market.
Report Offers Guidance on 'Smart City' Investments
"The challenge of paying for smart cities projects" report by Deloitte recommends several steps for making the most of investments in "smart city" technology by city governments.
300 Parking Spaces in New York City Now Saved for Car Share Companies
The city is implementing a pilot program that prioritizes shared cars.
20 Finalists Announced in the 'Canada Smart Cities Challenge'
The winner of the Grand Prize for the Canada Smart Cities Challenge will receive $50 million CAD ($38.5 million USD).