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 Generational Challenge: Ending the Age of the Automobile
An author and educator calls on a new generation of Americans to challenge the status quo and overcome the limitations and impacts of the country's existing infrastructure.
The Obama Administration Releases a Pro-Development Playbook
A new paper released by the White House offers a toolkit of economic evidence and policy recommendations designed to help cities overcome local opposition to development.
If LEDs Are Bad for Our Health, What Should Cities Do Now?
A report from the American Medical Association says LED lights are bad for our health, inspiring some cities to re-evaluate the technology.
The Battle Against McMansions Continues in Burbank
With a two-year Interim Development Control Ordinance set to expire in March 2017, Burbank, California is working on new design guidelines for single-family homes.
Middle Tennessee Adopts $6 Billion Regional Transit Plan
Middle Tennessee expects 1 million new people to move to the region by 2040. The new nMotion plan, adopted late last week, proposes a regional transit system to accommodate the region's future.