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.
New Orleans Approves Contentious Short-Term Rentals Regulation
Many cities popular with tourists are dealing with the effects of a proliferation of short-term rental properties (brokered through the use of online platforms like Airbnb). New Orleans just took steps to legalize, but limit, short-term rentals.
Lessons in Transit Fares from Toronto's UP Express
Faced with the underwhelming performance of the newly opened UP Express, Toronto transit officials did something drastic: they slashed the cost of a ride.
Looking for Economic Development? Skip the NFL and Go with Lollapalooza
One of the leading skeptics on the economic value of sports and entertainment investments has a caveat: music festivals just might be the ticket.
Residential Infill Regulations Designed to Slow the Advance of McMansions
The city of Portland, Oregon is considering new regulations to limit the kinds of homes that can be built in existing neighborhoods.
Reality Check: The Los Angeles River Can Still Flood
Sometimes it seems like it will never rain again in Los Angeles, but the river running through the city is still a significant flood risk.