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.
D.C. Streetcar Reports First Six Months Better-Than-Expected Performance
It's been six months since the D.C. Streetcar finally opened after years of planning and delays. So far, so good for the performance of the line, and now District DOT has some decisions to make regarding the near future of the line.
Expansion Proposed for Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian and Bike Path
A crowded and hurried scene is becoming more and more common on the pedestrian and bike path that spans the Brooklyn Bridge. So much so, that the city is ready to consider a new, wider path.
Twisting the Truth: The NIMBY Opposition to Second Units in L.A.
An op-ed by Daniel Freedman explains how a legal spat over an 850-square-foot "granny flat" affected hundreds of units around Los Angeles. The city's attempt to rectify the problems with its second unit ordinance has encountered more resistance.
Planetizen Week in Review: August 8, 2016
It only takes two minutes to catch up on the biggest news stories of the week.
Where Have all the Great Urban Places Gone?
Newly built urban places leave a lot to be desired, according to this article in Governing.