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.

5 Goals for Vancouver's New Chief Planner
Vancouver has a new chief planner, and a former chief planner already has a to-do list for the new guy.

Changes to Los Angeles' Small Lot Ordinance on the Way
Responding to criticism from neighborhoods faced with new small lot developments, the city of Los Angeles in considering changes to its Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance.

Florida DOT Taking a New, Data-Driven Approach to Pedestrian Safety
The Florida Department of Transportation is trying to change the state's status as the most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians, with 5,100 people killed while walking between 2003 and 2010.

The Best Urban Walks From Around the World
The Guardian has surveyed its readers to discover the why and where of urban walks.

New Orleans Planning Commission Recommends Limits for Short-Term Rentals
The New Orleans City Council must still approve regulations for short-term rentals, but the Planning Commission has spoken.