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.

Colorado Legislature Approves 'Idaho Stop' Bill
Pending Gov. Polis's signature on a bill approved recently by the Colorado State Legislature, Colorado will become the latest state to allow people on bikes to yield at stop signs.

2021 U.S. Population Growth Slows to Unprecedented Rate
The nation's three largest cities lost a combined 700,000 residents between July 2020 and July 2021—the fastest growing regions in the country couldn't keep up. The new data is being framed in the media as evidence of the decline of cities.

New York's Outdoor Dining Program Stays Controversial, Likely to Evolve
New York City's Open Restaurants Program, while here to stay, is going to see substantial changes, requiring new permits, as soon as next year.

Repeat Reckless Drivers Could Lose Their Vehicles in Milwaukee
An ordinance declaring repeat reckless driving a public nuisance has been delayed by the City Attorney's Office. The novel ordinance has support from the city's police and the Milwaukee Common Council.

Car Commutes and Congestion Are Back in D.C.
Low transit ridership and a more dispersed daytime workforce are creating new headaches for car commuters in the D.C. area—in a story likely to be repeated all over the country as work returns to the office.