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.
The Case for Ending Legal Right Turns on Red Lights
Right turns on red became legal at a large scale across the country in the 1970s, despite the threats the practice represents to pedestrians and people on bikes.
Philadelphia Law Would Raise Parking Minimums
Swaths of the city of Philadelphia could see increased parking minimums if a new version of a bill that failed in 2016 makes its way through City Council.
A New 'City Health Dashboard' for 500 U.S. Cities
The new City Health Dashboard might be the first time many communities have had access to a treasure trove of public health data at the click of a mouse button.
Controversial Redevelopment Plan Pleases No One in Pittsburgh
Affordable housing advocates, developers, and planning commissioners all got a bad taste in their mouth on this one.
Senate Bill Would Fund Climate Change Resilience in Coastal Communities
Grant and loan funding, new research, and a competition are some of the ideas included in the Coastal Communities Adaptation Act.