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.
A Defense of HUD's Grant Funding
Next City explores the possible consequences of reported desire by the Trump Administration to cut $6 billion from the budget of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
New York Public Art Focuses on the Women Who Build
Women in the building trades are celebrated as part of Women's History Month.
Homeless People and Expensive Housing Cause an Identity Crisis in Berkeley
The city of Berkeley is suffering the consequences of the urban revival—soaring housing costs and humanitarian crises don't reconcile with the city's famously progressive politics.
Debate: Is a 'Restaurant Recession' a Sign of Urban Decline?
Examining both sides of a debate about whether the urban revival's high-water mark is visible in the restaurant sector.
The Upside of Flooding
Stormwater and cities don't mix. Stormwater and nature, however, are well suited for each other.