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.

Salida, Colorado: National Leader in the Development of Tiny Homes
Allowing the development of a planned community of 200 rental units, ranging from 200 to 800 square feet, will earn a position among the nation's most progressive land use policies.

Free Wi-Fi Network Launches Around Kendall Square in Cambridge
It wasn't easy, but a broad swath of Cambridge, Massachusetts will now have free Wi-Fi Internet. The effort required a partnership between several institutions and organizations to come to fruition.

Austin Will Use Virtual Reality to Attract Foreign Direct Investment
The city of Austin hopes that virtual reality can connect foreign investors and proposed development projects in need of funding.
An Argument for Pairing By-Right Zoning With Form-Based Codes
Opticos Design believes by-right zoning and form-based codes can be a win-win for communities.

Study: New Low-Income Housing Has No Effect for Nearby Property Values
A new study by Trulia casts doubt on the fears of neighborhood activists resistant to the idea of low-income housing.