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.
Massive Surveillance Expansion Would Focus on Nightlife in New Orleans
The city of New Orleans wants to watch you party.
Downtown Pittsburgh to Oakland BRT Moving Forward, With or Without Federal Money
Expect more cities and transit agencies around the country to wrestle with funding quandaries if the Trump Administration gets its way with existing capital investment grants.
Seattle Looking for Better Tree Protections
Advocates and politicians are mustering ideas and support for new tree ordinances that line up with the city's climate goals.
$6 Billion Freeway Widening on the Table in Southern California
Planning for a proposal to expand truck and vehicle capacity on the I-710 Freeway in Southern California has reached a critical juncture in the process.
State Affordable Housing Policies as Sprawl Enabler
A critique of New Jersey's housing policies lends historical perspective before taking an unexpected rhetorical turn.