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.
How Parking Apps Could Shift the Parking Landscape
New apps have the potential to influence a fundamental shift in the political and physical realities of parking according to a recent Next City article.

Industrial Meets Residential in New Vancouver Zoning
Vancouver created its MX zone as a solution to a persistent challenge for planners—how to retain industrial jobs and affordable housing in downtowns.
A Better Future for Tampa's Trolley?
Tampa's TECO line streetcar system does not lack charm. What the historic streetcar does lack, however, is riders. Can HART transform the trolley into an integral part of a revitalized downtown?
Tent Cities Proposed for Homeless in Seattle
The mayor and City Council of Seattle will consider a controversial measure to combat its surging homeless population.
More Details on the End of Architecture for Humanity
Following the recent news that Architecture for Humanity shut its doors after operating since 1999, FastCo.Design provides more details about what went wrong.