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.

It's the 60th Birthday of the Interstate Highway System
A new report commemorates the 60th birthday of the interstate highway system with statistics (some politically motivated) that summarize the state of the nation's largest public works project.

Should We Blame Airbnb for Exorbitant Housing Prices?
Is Airbnb to blame for rising house prices? This article by Leigh Stewart from Tranio.com investigates how easy money from the collaborative economy could be making homes too expensive for tenants and genuine buyers.

What 6,000 Years of Population Data Looks Like
We can now watch 6,000 years of urban settlements and movements unfold on our computer screens.

Op-Ed Blames Planned Development Districts for Development in Palm Springs
A local writer argues that development is putting the unique character of Palm Springs in peril by taking advantage of the city's Planned Development Districts.

New York Launches New Pedestrian Safety Plan
The New York State Pedestrian Safety Action Plan will invest $110 million to improve pedestrian safety in the state of New York.