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.

Study: Market-Rate Development Filters Into Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing
New research sheds new light on one of the most hotly debated questions in planning and development.

Indigenous Resilience Center Launched at the University of Arizona
The University of Arizona will leverage traditional STEM education to partner with local indigenous tribes to find and implement culturally appropriate solutions to the challenges of climate change and other environmental risks.

Draft West Portland Town Center Plan Seeks Public Comment
Always a closely watched planning jurisdiction, Portland, Oregon is proceeding with a new vision for the future of the western end of the city.

New Light Rail Station Coming to Charlotte
A new station will be added to the Lynx Blue Line light rail route in a quickly growing, industrial part of the city.

NYC Planning Director Nominated for White House Role
If approved, New York City Planning Director Marisa Lago will be headed back to the White House to serve in the Department of Commerce.