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.

Comparing Housing Permits Around the Sun Belt
It might not come as a surprise, but the Sun Belt cities permitting fewer new single-family homes are the Sun Belt cities permitting fewer new homes.

Denver Stormwater Plan Ruffles Feathers
The Platte to Park Hill project would install new stormwater detention facilities at a golf course near Downtown Denver. Opponents to the project say it’s a burden on the neighborhood and a benefit to development interests farther down the watershed.

New Ten-Year Bike Plan Proposed in Toronto
Toronto planners have proposed a new ten-year bike plan that focuses on connecting and improving the city's current network of bike infrastructure.

Feds Approve New Natural Gas Pipeline Despite Corruption Probe
Federal regulators approved a pipeline critical to a natural gas power plant currently embroiled in a federal corruption investigation.

What a 'Bicycle Stress Map' Reveals About the Streets of Montgomery County
A new map quantifies the stress levels for bike riders on the streets of Montgomery County, Maryland.