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.
'Textalyzers' Could Help Cops Bust Distracted Drivers
Chicago is one of the first cities to consider the use of "textalyzers," which would allow police officers to scan phones to see if they were in use during an accident.
Streetcars Coming to the OC
The conservative bastion of Orange County will soon begin on construction on the mode of transit favored by the Obama Administration: the "modern streetcar."
Two Kinds of Affordable Housing Policies for Two Kinds of Affordable Housing
A short and simple "explainer" post makes sense of why there seems to be so little ground on affordable housing issues in expensive urban areas.
Airbnb Sheds Thousands of Hosts in San Francisco
New registration requirements have proven an effective disincentive for thousands of short-term rental hosts in San Francisco.
A Growing D.C. Corridor Gets Badly Needed Bus Service
The new 59 bus route down 14th Street in Washington, D.C. represents a major win for transit advocates.