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.
Community Development Corporations Struggling to Stay Afloat in St. Louis
Less funding has led to a decline in the number of community development corporations in the St. Louis area, despite a persistent need for their services.
How Oakland Is Tackling Its Housing Crisis
Just across the Bay Bridge from one of the most famous examples of a broken housing market, Oakland is working to keep up with the effects of housing demand.
Mapping the Nation's Freight Movements
An infographic illustrates the circulatory system of the nation's economy.
How Real Are Toronto's Big Transit Plans?
Age-old transit planning questions will be raised over the next year in Toronto.

About That Shocking Twitter Storm by @SFBART
The word "shocking" above could also have been "depressing," and the word "storm" could have also been "rant." Or it could have been "honest" and "victory." When it comes to transit, everyone sees what they want to see.