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.
The Regulations Making Philadelphia a Beer Lover's Paradise
Cities and neighborhoods looking to locate and support breweries and brew pubs should look to Philadelphia as an example of a beer-friendly regulatory environment.
Another Housing Boom—Another Housing Bust?
Housing costs are skyrocketing all over the country. Does that sound familiar? How worried should we all be that the current boom will have similar consequences as the previous housing boom?

San Francisco Mega-Project Sets the 'Affordable' Bar High
A mega-project in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood is exciting for its size an prize tag—and remarkable for the income levels that define "affordable" in San Francisco these days.

Planning for Walkability? Concentrate on Commercial Density
Urban Kchoze presents a detailed, step-by-step analysis of the relationship between commercial density and residential density to find a better understanding of which matters more for promoting walkability.
Oregon DOT Releases Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
The Oregon Department of Transportation is showing leadership among state transportation agencies by adopting a new pedestrian and bicycle plan. With a first draft on the street, the early reviews are coming in.