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.
Where Words Fail: Teach Architects and Urban Designers Like Violinists
Architects and urban designers justify or explain their work with words, and municipalities govern design with jargon-filled regulations. The outcome is often underwhelming.
San Jose Bart Extension Could Be Delayed Until 2034, Increase in Cost by $4.4 Billion
A report attained by the Mercury News uncovers information regarding the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Project that will come as a surprise to anyone paying attention to recent federal support for the project.
Industrial Zoning a Foothold for Amazon Distribution Centers in San Francisco
Locals aren't happy about Amazon's numerous new distribution facilities in San Francisco, but all of the new facilities are all perfectly legal under the city's zoning code—much more legal than housing, for example.
'Free Fare February' a Huge Boost for Ridership in Utah
Early returns from Utah Transit Authority's fare-free transit experiment.
Miami Housing More Expensive Than New York City, Report Says
New data shows stratospheric housing costs in cities not named New York.