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.
Court Ruling Will Delay Maryland's Planned Purple Line
A project dogged by controversy and opposition took another blow this week, this time from a federal judge. The ongoing safety and operations issue of the Metrorail system played a role in the ruling.
Baltimore County Rejects Law to Curb Housing Discrimination
The decision by the Baltimore County Council allows landlords to continue using "source of income" as criteria for prospective tenants. Such practices are often used to bar residents relying on housing vouchers.
The National Park System Welcomes the 21st Century
The National Park Service is evolving its role to keep pace with a changing world.
Study Documents the Shifting Racial Boundaries of Gentrifying Cities
New research finds evidence of racial "boundary movements," in older, denser U.S. cities. The research explains more about why gentrification feels like such a powerful force, for those experiencing its effects.
'Biological Assessment' Released for Big California Tunnels Project
The plans for one of California's most expensive, and controversial, projects are moving forward as the clock ticks on the Obama Administration's time in power.