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.
Surveying the Suburban Office Market
A new report by CBRE finds reasons to be skeptical of tales of the downfall of the suburban office market. Denver provides a compelling case study.
Inclusionary Zoning Proposed for Buffalo—Will it Help or Hurt the Housing Market?
Buffalo is considering policies to support affordable rental housing as demand rises. While inclusionary zoning is controversial everywhere, specific questions about the policy's effectiveness arise in cities with little to no population growth.
Accused of 'Ambush-Style Eviction,' Detroit Land Bank Faces Lawsuit
A lawsuit, allowed to proceed by a Wayne County judge, reveals some of the difficulties of blight removal.
Construction, Hospitality Sectors Reporting Workforce Shortages in Texas
Texas has doubled down on the Trump Administration's deportation policies, and business leaders from several sectors in the state are starting to speak up about the policy's effects on the workforce.
Is NYC's 91-Year-Old 'Cabaret Law' Finally Headed for the History Books?
"It is ridiculous that in New York City dancing is just as illegal as it was in the fictional movie Footloose," says Councilmember Rafael Espinal of New York City's cabaret law.